Burkas represent ‘security risk’, says Reform Scotland deputy leader Thomas Kerr

Reform Scotland deputy leader Thomas Kerr has called for Muslim women to be barred from wearing burkas and niqabs in public, describing full-face coverings as intimidating and a security risk. His remarks came amid Reform’s efforts to bring forward Holyrood debates on banning face coverings, prompting criticism that the campaign targets Muslim women and risks inflaming division.

Kerr said he viewed Scotland as a Christian nation and linked integration to adopting its language and social norms. An estimated one in 100 Muslim women in Scotland wears a burka or niqab, while 24 countries, including France and Denmark, have bans, according to Kerr. First Minister John Swinney and Green MSP Kate Nevens accused Reform of racism; Amina Muslim Women’s Resource Centre chief executive Mariam Ahmed called the stance misogynistic and racist.