- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 18 Jan 2026 04:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Reform UK’s newly announced London mayoral candidate, Laila Cunningham, has triggered widespread criticism after making controversial remarks about Muslim women and face coverings, with critics warning that her comments risk fuelling division and anti-Muslim sentiment.
Cunningham, who was named as Reform UK’s candidate for the 2028 London mayoral election last week, suggested that women wearing the burqa should be subject to stop-and-search checks by police. Speaking on the Standard podcast, she argued that face coverings have no place in an “open society” and claimed that if someone is hiding their face, it should be assumed they are doing so “for a criminal reason”, according to The Guardian.
‘One Civic Culture Should Be British’
During the interview, Cunningham also described parts of the capital as feeling culturally unfamiliar. “If you go to parts of London, it does feel like a Muslim city,” she said, adding that signs written in other languages and burqas being sold in markets made the city feel less British. She argued that London should have “one civic culture” and that it “should be British”.
The remarks prompted an immediate backlash from Muslim groups and political leaders. Crossbench peer Baroness Shaista Gohir, CEO of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, described Cunningham’s comments as “dangerous” and a “dog whistle” to racists. Speaking to The Guardian, Baroness Gohir said her organisation has been forced to remove signage outside its offices and staff profile pictures due to a surge in abusive and threatening messages.
“She is sending a message to Muslims that they do not belong,” Baroness Gohir said, warning that such rhetoric emboldens those who already target Muslim communities.
Sadiq Khan Defends Religious Freedom
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan also criticised the comments, saying some politicians were attempting to “sow seeds of division”. Speaking on LBC, Khan defended London’s diversity, calling it one of the city’s greatest strengths.
“Why would you stop somebody practising their religion?” he asked, stressing that freedom of religion and expression are “quintessentially British rights”. He added that women should have the freedom to choose what they wear.
Labour MP Afzal Khan described Cunningham’s remarks as a “deliberate and cynical ploy”, while critics also pointed to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s past controversies over alleged racist and antisemitic remarks.
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