The difficulty of balancing our freedoms

From what I have seen of the reaction on social media, few people have read the article itself, which argues against a ban on the burqa, as has been introduced in some other EU countries.

Boris has written that he believes the Arab-originating form of dress the niqab (the veil with just the eyes uncovered) and the burqa (full face covering) look silly, and he has used perhaps insensitive language to convey that view.

But he argues that it would be illiberal and un-British to ban items of clothing simply because we may not like them. I agree with him.

I feel fortunate to live in the UK, where we can dress as we like, and that women are free to dress as they wish, without coercion. In terms of the niqab and the burqa, if women are making a free choice to wear it, I entirely support their right to wear what they want, free from harassment.

It sometimes feels like a difficult balance to support freedom of expression (to wear what one wishes) and of speech (to criticise that decision). It can be difficult to ensure that we remain respectful of people’s individual choices and religions whilst ensuring we are free to express our views, and to mock people and religions where appropriate.

In short, women in the UK are free to wear what they wish, Boris Johnson is free to be insensitive about those choices, and we are all free to form our own opinions of him as a result.