Downing Street Says

» Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Veils

Asked about whether the Prime Minister agreed with Trevor Philips’s view on the wearing of veils, the PMOS replied as he had said yesterday the Prime Minister welcomed the debate but there was no government policy on the wearing of veils, as it was a personal decision. Asked if it was a Governmental or personal decision to speak English the PMOS replied that that was a different question. Asked if the Prime Minister would be happy to meet women wearing veils in Downing Street the PMOS said he was not aware of the Prime Minister’s view.

Asked about potential meetings with Muslim delegations the PMOS said he had not searched the diary. The PMOS also said as he had found in the past, if the Prime Minister expressed a view on personal issues it could stop debate rather than encourage debate. Asked if there would be a policy on wearing of veils to aid community cohesion the PMOS reiterated what Jack Straw had said that the wearing of a veil is a personal matter. Asked if everyone having a view meant that there was no control over the debate and this could cause community tensions the PMOS replied that those who have spoken on this had done so in a careful way and while these were sensitive issues they could be debated. This was not an issue where there has to be a Government position as the wearing of veils was an entirely personal choice.

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» Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Veils

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