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The ways Ukip plans to target Muslims to 'promote integration'

Ukip leader Paul Nuttal (PA)
Ukip leader Paul Nuttall (PA)

Ukip has announced an ‘integration agenda as part of its 2017 General Election manifesto, made up almost entirely of policies that specifically target the Muslim community.

The announcement comes as Paul Nuttall defended his party against accusations of ‘sowing division’, saying Ukip’s pledges were designed to ‘promote integration’.

Opening the launch of the policy in Westminster, Mr Nuttall said: ‘Today’s message will be a message of positivity, it will not be about negativity.’

Mr Nuttall also dodged questions from reporters over whether he would stand in June’s election, following his recent high-profile defeat in the Stoke Central by-election.

He refused to say definitively whether he would stand; reporters instead received the cryptic reply: ‘Ukip leaders have done quite well not being in parliament haven’t they?’ from the party leader as he ran into a waiting taxi.

Green party leader Caroline Lucas slammed the policies, accusing the party of ‘full throttled Islamaphobia’.

These are some of the ways Ukip wants to increase integration in Britain.

Banning the burqa

The first policy on Ukip’s agenda is to ‘pass a law against the wearing of face coverings in public places’, effectively banning the burqa. The wooly wording of the policy left Mr Nuttall red-faced, with commenters questioning whether the ban would apply to bee-keepers, big sunglasses, clown masks, surgeons and veils worn by Christian brides.

The Ukip leader defended his party against accusations of sowing division (PA)
The Ukip leader defended his party against accusations of sowing division (PA)

Disbanding sharia courts

The agenda pledged a complete ban on sharia, saying the Islamic laws are ‘intended as a rival legal system’ and ‘undermine women’s rights’. The party also said it would ‘establish a legal commission to draw up proposals to disband sharia courts.’

Implementing checks on girls at risk of FGM

In a bid to stop female genital mutilation, Ukip said it would introduce mandatory medical checks for girls ‘from groups at high risk’ of the practise. The party proposes that checks would take place annually, plus whenever they return from trips overseas. Another pledge suggests making ‘failure to report an instance of FGM by someone who has knowledge that it has taken place a criminal offence itself.’

Closing of Muslim schools

Ukip proposed the ‘immediate closure of schools where here is evidence of Islamist ideology being taught or imposed on children.’ The document did not mention policy regarding other faith schools. In addition, Ukip proposed ‘a moratorium on new Islamic faith schools until substantial progress has been demonstrated in integrating Muslims into mainstream British society.’