Burka ban backed by 57% of the British public, according to poll

The poll found many people would like a ban on full-face veils. Credit: PA

More than half of the British public are in favour of want to ban the burka, according to a new poll.

The YouGov survey of 1668 adults found:

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.

Responses to the question posed about support for a burka ban. Credit: YouGov

The wearing of full-face veils has been a topic of discussion in the Ukip leadership race after one of the candidates, Lisa Duffy, called for them to be banned in public places.

  • Burkini bans

Islamic full-body clothing has also been in the news recently after a number of French towns sought to ban the wearing of burkinis on their beaches.

A woman wears a Burkini in the south of France. Credit: Reuters

The ban outraged Muslims and anti-Islamophobia groups and has been temporarily suspended after a court ruled that it was illegal.

On the specific issue of the burkini, the YouGov poll found:

  • Attitudes to Islamic clothing bans elsewhere

Attitudes to the issue of Islamic clothing bans varies in different countries. Credit: PA

The survey also found similar support for a burka ban in Germany with 62% supporting a ban and 27% opposing.

There have been calls from some conservative politicians in Germany for a ban on Muslim women wearing full-face veils.

Meanwhile, in the US, those surveyed strongly objected to a ban with 59% opposing and just 27% supporting it.