In a move that has sent shockwaves through British politics, Reform UK’s newly announced London mayoral candidate, Laila Cunningham, has ignited a national controversy with her comments on religious attire. Her suggestion of a “burqa stop-and-search” policy, coupled with the claim that parts of London “feel like a Muslim city,” has drawn swift and severe backlash from across the political spectrum and from community leaders.
Table of Contents
- Who is Laila Cunningham?
- The Controversial Burqa Stop-and-Search Comments
- Immediate Backlash and Political Condemnation
- London Demographics: Debunking the ‘Muslim City’ Claim
- What Are the Actual UK Laws on Burqa and Niqab?
- Reform UK’s Broader Immigration and Religious Policies
- Conclusion: A Dangerous Rhetoric
- Sources
Who is Laila Cunningham?
Laila Cunningham is the newly selected candidate for Reform UK in the upcoming London mayoral race. Her public profile was relatively low until her recent, highly inflammatory remarks thrust her into the national spotlight. As a representative of a party known for its hardline stance on immigration and social issues , her comments are seen by many as a deliberate strategy to garner attention and rally the party’s base.
The Controversial Burqa Stop-and-Search Comments
Cunningham’s central proposal was that women wearing the burqa—a full-body covering that includes a face veil—should be subject to police stop-and-search powers. She framed this not just as a security measure but as a response to what she described as the changing character of the capital. According to multiple reports, she stated that certain areas of London now “feel like a Muslim city,” a comment widely interpreted as an attempt to stoke fear and division .
This proposal for a burqa stop-and-search regime is particularly alarming given the context of existing policing practices and concerns about racial and religious profiling. Critics argue it would grant law enforcement unprecedented and discriminatory power to target a specific religious group based solely on their attire.
Immediate Backlash and Political Condemnation
The reaction to Cunningham’s remarks was immediate and fierce. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, himself a Muslim, was quick to condemn the comments, warning that they would “fuel division and embolden anti-Muslim abuse” . His statement was echoed by numerous faith leaders, human rights organizations, and opposition politicians who labeled the proposal as Islamophobic and a direct attack on religious freedom.
The core of the criticism lies in the fact that the number of women in the UK who wear the burqa or niqab is extremely small. As one critic pointed out, “The number of Muslim women who wear the burqa in this country is tiny, and yet this is what [she] chooses to focus on” . This has led many to conclude that the issue is being weaponized for political gain rather than addressing any genuine, widespread security concern.
London Demographics: Debunking the ‘Muslim City’ Claim
Cunningham’s assertion that London “feels like a Muslim city” is a significant misrepresentation of the city’s actual demographics. According to the most recent data, while London is a diverse and multicultural metropolis, its population is far from being majority Muslim.
| Demographic Group | Percentage of London Population (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| White | 53.8% |
| Asian | 20.7% |
| Black | 13.5% |
| Mixed | 5.7% |
| Muslim (of all ethnicities) | ~15.0% |
Data from the 2021 Census and 2025 estimates confirm that Muslims make up approximately 15% of London’s total population of nearly 8.8 million people . While this is a significant and growing community, it is a far cry from constituting a majority. The claim appears designed to exaggerate the presence of a minority group to create a sense of a foreign “takeover,” a common trope in xenophobic rhetoric.
What Are the Actual UK Laws on Burqa and Niqab?
Contrary to what some might assume, the United Kingdom does not have a nationwide ban on the burqa or niqab. There are no general laws prohibiting the wearing of full-face coverings in public spaces for religious reasons .
However, there are specific, limited restrictions in place:
- Security & Identification: Face coverings can be legally required to be removed for identification purposes, such as at airports, banks, or when interacting with police officers who have reasonable grounds for a request.
- Driving: It is illegal to drive a vehicle if your face is covered in a way that impairs your vision.
- Proposed Legislation: There have been various calls and early day motions in Parliament to introduce a broader ban, citing public safety and social cohesion , but none have become law.
The idea of a blanket burqa stop-and-search policy, therefore, represents a radical departure from current UK law and would likely face significant legal challenges on human rights grounds.
Reform UK’s Broader Immigration and Religious Policies
Cunningham’s comments must be viewed within the wider context of Reform UK’s political platform. The party, led by Nigel Farage, has built its identity on a promise to drastically reduce immigration and promote a specific vision of British culture and sovereignty . Their 2024 manifesto includes pledges to “Freeze Non-Essential Immigration” and implement policies that critics argue are hostile to multiculturalism .
While the party’s official platform may not explicitly call for a burqa stop-and-search, its focus on limiting immigration and its appeal to voters concerned about cultural change create an environment where such inflammatory proposals can emerge from its candidates. This incident highlights the party’s ongoing struggle to balance its populist base with the responsibilities of mainstream political discourse.
Conclusion: A Dangerous Rhetoric
The controversy surrounding Laila Cunningham’s “burqa stop-and-search” proposal is more than just a political gaffe; it’s a stark reminder of the potent and often dangerous intersection of religion, race, and security in public discourse. By targeting a minuscule minority and misrepresenting the demographics of one of the world’s most diverse cities, the comments serve to alienate communities and undermine social cohesion. As the London mayoral race heats up, this episode will undoubtedly be a key point of debate, forcing voters to consider not just policies, but the kind of inclusive society they wish to build. For more on the complexities of modern British politics, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:rise-of-right-wing-populism-in-europe].
Sources
[1] Times of India. “‘Feels like a Muslim city’: Reform UK mayoral candidate suggests burqa stop-and-search in London, faces backlash.”
[5], [6] Various news reports on the backlash against Laila Cunningham’s comments.
[13], [14], [15] Reform UK party manifestos and policy summaries.
[17], [19] UK government resources and legal analyses on face coverings.
[25] London demographic and Muslim population statistics from 2021 Census and 2025 estimates.
[EXTERNAL_LINK:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-and-the-law] UK Government guidance on face coverings and the law.