Majority want to ban the burka, says new poll

A majority of British people want to ban the burka, according to a new poll.

The wearing of Islamic full-body clothing has emerged as a major point of contention this summer, after a number of French towns sought to ban the wearing of burkinis, only for a court to rule that doing so was illegal.

Meanwhile, the wearing of full-face veils has been front and centre in the Ukip leadership race after one of the candidates, Lisa Duffy, called for them to be banned in public places.

A new YouGov survey suggests such a policy would have the backing of the British public.

Some 57% of people said they would support outlawing the wearing of the burka, while 25% said they would oppose such a ban.

Support for a ban was found to be greatest among the over-65s, with 78% backing prohibition and 12% against a ban.

Opposition was strongest among 18-24 year olds, with 40% against a ban and 34% in favour.

The research also found that women are about as likely to support a ban as men.

Meanwhile, 84% of people who voted Ukip in 2015 said they would support a ban compared with 66% of Tory voters, 48% of Labour voters and 42% of Lib Dem voters.

On the specific issue of the burkini, 46% of people said they would support a ban compared with 30% who said they would oppose one.