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13/10/2006
Straw addresses veil controversy in Blackburn
The leader of the House of Commons, Jack Straw, is meeting constituents for the first time after writing an article in the Lancashire Telegraph stating Muslim women covering their faces do not contribute to better relations in the UK.
Mr Straw sparked controversy when he asked Muslim women at his Blackburn office to consider removing their veils.
At a conference in Blackburn Town Hall today mr Straw said: "This has sparked a bigger debate than I anticipated.
"I said the same thing to the National Council of British Muslims in June, the media was there and nothing was reported then.
"It's important now that we ensure that the whole of the community in Blackburn and all the community in the UK benefit in a positive way."
Mr Straw says he does not regret making the comment and will stand by it.
(CD/SP)
Mr Straw sparked controversy when he asked Muslim women at his Blackburn office to consider removing their veils.
At a conference in Blackburn Town Hall today mr Straw said: "This has sparked a bigger debate than I anticipated.
"I said the same thing to the National Council of British Muslims in June, the media was there and nothing was reported then.
"It's important now that we ensure that the whole of the community in Blackburn and all the community in the UK benefit in a positive way."
Mr Straw says he does not regret making the comment and will stand by it.
(CD/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
