Politics Live after defending her call for a national burka ban — a proposal that was swiftly shut down by both Labour and her fellow panellists.
🏛️ The PMQs moment that sparked it all
Pochin used her first Prime Minister’s Questions to ask whether the UK should follow the likes of France and Belgium in banning the burka “in the interests of public safety”.
“Will [the PM] follow the lead of France, Belgium, Denmark and others and ban the burka?” she asked.
Sir Keir Starmer, while welcoming Pochin to the Commons, firmly rejected the idea:
“I am not going to follow her down that line.”
🎙️ The Politics Live meltdown
Things only got worse for Pochin during her appearance on Politics Live. She claimed the burka could act as a barrier to “cultural integration” and hinder police work.
But Labour MP Sarah Owen wasn’t having it. She accused Pochin of “dog whistle politics” and said the state had no business policing what women wear.
Then came the moment that set social media alight. Presenter Vicki Young asked:
“How many women have you spoken to about wearing the burka?”
Pochin responded:
“You can’t.”
Cue instant backlash. Owen snapped:
“That’s not true, that’s totally untrue… My goodness, it’s like arguing with a teenager.”
🧨 Backlash and double standards
Critics have pointed out the hypocrisy of arguing for “freedom” and “choice” in one breath, while demanding a ban on religious dress in the next. Pochin’s comments have drawn accusations of fuelling Islamophobia and stoking division under the guise of public safety.
So far, Downing Street has not publicly commented on her remarks — but Starmer’s immediate dismissal suggests this debate won’t be winning Reform many friends in Westminster.
You can watch the clips below:
“My goodness, it’s like arguing with a teenager.”
Related: Reform UK rocked as Zia Yusuf calls it quits as chairman
