Jack Straw and the full veil

For such an experienced politician, I don't think Jack Straw realises what he has unleashed. I mean, he may understand that he was talking about the full veil (niqab), but it'll be used by the white far-right as a statement against all Muslim headgear, hijab, everything.

As soon as possible, I think he has to denounce any vigilantism done in his name.

The far-Right British National Party is hoping to cash in on the mounting anger. It is drawing up a battle plan to split Mr Straw’s support at the next election. BNP spokesman Dr Phil Edwards: "We have been saying this about Muslim dress for some time," he said. "It’s all part of the problems of a multi-cultural Britain that he and the Labour Party helped to create."

Ibrahim Master, a member of the Labour Party who played a key role in 60-year-old Mr Straw’s last election victory, said: "We feel it is very difficult to take because it comes from a man who knows a great deal about the Muslim community. It’s like a family member going against us. This is a very sensitive issue and he has said it publicly without any form of consultation. The Muslim community feels angry and let down."

Yesterday’s protest was told how a young Muslim girl wearing a niqab in Blackburn was confronted by three angry youths on Friday night. One of the trio threw a newspaper at the terrified girl and shouted at her: "Jack has told you to take off your veil." And in Toxteth, Liverpool, a 49-year-old Muslim woman had her veil snatched from her by a white man in his 60s. Inspector Saied Mostaghel, of Merseyside Police, said: "She was left feeling shocked and upset."