Zia Yusuf brands MP dumb over burqa ban suggestion

In the United Kingdom, a controversy erupted involving Zia Yusuf, the chairman of Reform UK, and new MP Sarah Pochin. During Prime Minister's Questions, on the previous Wednesday, Pochin suggested that Prime Minister Keir Starmer follow suit with other European countries and impose a ban on burqas for public safety. This remark incited a strong response from Yusuf, who labeled the proposal as 'dumb', noting that it contradicted the party's position. He also expressed that he was unaware that such a question was not aligned with Reform's policies. This spat highlighted ongoing tensions within the party, especially given that Yusuf has been reportedly sidelined into the party's DOGE project, which focuses on budget savings in councils under Reform’s control. Infighting within Reform UK has been escalating, with previous conflicts resulting in the ousting of members like Rupert Lowe, who claimed he faced threats from Yusuf. The situation points to a fracture within the party, as it struggles to maintain a cohesive direction amidst clear ideological divisions. The reaction to Pochin's comments has prompted Farage to open the floor for a broader discussion on face coverings in public spaces, distancing himself from Yusuf's remarks while emphasizing the need for dialogue on the subject.