Reform's burqa ban bid sparks furious Holyrood clashes as Swinney brands party 'deplorable'

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026 · last updated 9 October 2026.

Reform UK's Scottish MSPs ignited one of Holyrood's most ill-tempered debates in recent times after lodging a motion calling on the government to consider prohibiting face-covering garments such as the burqa and niqab from public spaces. Deputy Scottish leader Thomas Kerr described the burqa as "medieval and oppressive" with "no place in modern Scotland", drawing sharp condemnation from SNP, Labour and Green MSPs. First Minister John Swinney told parliament he "deplored" the debate even before it got under way, adding at FMQs that Malcolm Offord had no standing to lecture him on community safety.

Kerr pointed to existing bans in France, Belgium, Austria and Denmark, arguing that a "Scotland that takes public safety seriously" should not avoid the question.

Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald responded bluntly: 'In a free and open society, it's up to people — women — what they wear.'

During the debate, protesters gathered outside Holyrood to accuse Reform of demonising Muslim women.