Jack Straw's veil comments are 'Insensitive and surprising'

5.27.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 6th Oct 2006

Labour Cabinet Minister Jack Straw has said he would prefer Muslim women not to wear veils at all. Mr Straw said he believed that covering people's faces could make community relations more difficult.

Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat President "It is surprising that Jack Straw thinks it is appropriate to ask Muslim women to remove their veil. Commenting on the dress of any constituent of whatever cultural background is highly insensitive. The experience of visiting their MP is difficult enough for many people without having to consider a dress code. These women have come to their elected representative for help and advice, not for recommendations on appropriate clothing."