Prohibit the wearing of all full-face coverings in public spaces

We call on the Government to prohibit full-face coverings in public, including niqabs, burqas, balaclavas and ski masks, to strengthen social cohesion, preserve cultural values, enhance security and promote gender equality. We believe this will ensure fairness, safety and a more unified Britain.

We believe face coverings hinder social cohesion, alienate communities and discourage integration. We believe they undermine British values of openness and interaction while also posing security risks. Current policies allow exemptions for some while restricting others, which may foster resentment. Also, we think they disproportionately impact women, limiting their visibility and participation in public life. We feel a clear, fair policy could enhance safety, equality and unity.

Britain has a proud tradition of religious tolerance within the law. The government is committed to creating a strong and integrated society in which hatred and prejudice are not tolerated and in which all people are free to express their religious identity without fear of it resulting in harassment, discrimination or attack. We recognise the huge contribution of people of faith to public life, locally and nationally, and are committed to celebrating and promoting this. There is no current legislation that bans the wearing of religious or non-religious face coverings and the government has no intention to introduce any.

Under the Human Rights Act 1998 (Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights), everyone has the legal right to freedom of religion, including the right to express their religion. This includes the right to wear religious attire except where limitations are prescribed by law for specific limited purposes. Restrictions on face coverings that are worn for religious reasons engage this right and must be carefully justified. The government does not currently consider there are reasons to change the approach set out in UK legislation on this issue. A similar approach applies to face coverings worn for non-religious purposes, which in some cases will be a form of personal and cultural expression protected under the fundamental right to freedom of expression (Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights).

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government