Tensions rose in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday as Reform UK’s deputy leader in Scotland, Thomas Kerr, called for a ban on face coverings, including the burqa.
The Members’ Business debate sparked heated exchanges between MSPs, with members heckling Kerr and the Presiding Officer intervening on several occasions.
Outside Parliament, protesters gathered to oppose the motion, accusing Reform UK of targeting Muslim women and conflating religious dress with criminality.
During the debate, Kerr described the burqa as “oppressive” and said it had “no place in modern Scotland”, arguing that face coverings raised concerns around public safety and integration.
However, MSPs from the SNP, Labour and the Scottish Greens challenged his position, arguing that women should be free to choose what they wear.
Green MSP Kate Nevens became emotional while speaking against the motion, vowing to continue defending women’s rights, particularly those of Muslim women.
First Minister John Swinney also condemned the debate, accusing Reform UK of bringing racism into the parliamentary chamber.
As tensions continued, Kerr attempted to extend the debate by 30 minutes to allow more MSPs to speak. However, the proposal was defeated by 14 votes to 51, bringing the proceedings to a close amid further complaints and points of order.
The motion called on the Scottish Government to assess the potential benefits of further restrictions on full-face coverings in public places. It did not itself introduce a ban.
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