Laila Cunningham, the Reform UK party’s candidate for the London mayoral election, has sparked a wave of political and human rights criticism after making controversial remarks describing the burqa as having “criminal intent” and calling for the searching of women who wear it. Opponents have described her comments as dangerous and inflammatory toward Muslims.
Cunningham, whose candidacy for the 2028 London mayoral election was announced last week, has been accused of endangering Muslims after stating that no one should cover their face in an “open society.” She claimed that face coverings “carry criminal motivation.”
Baroness Shaista Gohir, an independent member of the House of Lords and CEO of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, described the remarks as “dangerous” and “provocative,” saying they could embolden racists.
She warned that such statements further marginalize Muslim women, particularly the small minority who wear the burqa.
Gohir also noted that her organization has been forced to remove signage and photos of staff from outside its offices due to a sharp rise in abusive and threatening messages, emphasizing that inflammatory rhetoric spreads fear and fuels hatred.
She added that Cunningham’s comments send the message that Muslims do not belong in the country and provide cover for those who have previously mistreated Muslims. Gohir also questioned Cunningham’s focus on an issue affecting only a small number of women, while ignoring pressing concerns such as healthcare, education, and the cost of living.
In response, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that attempts to sow division are nothing new and stressed that the role of the mayor is to unite people, not divide them. He emphasized that London’s diversity is its strength and that freedom of religion and expression are fundamental rights in the UK that must not be put at risk.
Afzal Khan, a Labour MP, also described Cunningham’s remarks as a “deliberate and opportunistic maneuver” aimed at gaining electoral advantage by promoting divisive ideas. He warned about the consequences of political rhetoric and pointed to research linking previous statements by politicians to an increase in hate incidents against Muslims.
Iqna