During Wednesday’s PMQs, newly elected Reform MP Sarah Pochin stunned the Commons by asking Keir Starmer if he would “ban the burqa.” She argued a ban would “strengthen strategic alignment with our European neighbours” and improve public safety. The question drew audible gasps—and not just from MPs. Starmer dismissed it outright. Later, Reform confirmed that no such policy even exists. Chaos, anyone?
💬 Zia Yusuf takes aim
Enter Reform chairman Zia Yusuf. Reacting to a post by Katie Hopkins—yes, she’s still stirring the pot—Yusuf admitted he “had no idea about the question nor that it wasn’t party policy.” And then came the killer line:
“I do think it’s dumb.”
Nothing to do with me. Had no idea about the question nor that it wasn’t policy. Busy with other stuff.
I do think it’s dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party itself wouldn’t do. https://t.co/AUjwT8GqqD
His blunt assessment landed hard. LBC’s Henry Riley noted Yusuf was “taking a pop” at Pochin. Reform insiders whispered that tensions had been simmering; this weekend’s public slam just poured more fuel on the fire.
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🔥 Another blow to credibility
A Labour spokesperson seized on the row as proof that Reform UK is in disarray:
“Nigel Farage could fit all of his MPs in the back of a cab, yet he can’t stop them fighting among themselves. Reform only guarantees more Liz Truss-style chaos. Their £80 billion of unfunded commitments would lead to economic meltdown … they’re just not credible.”
Ouch.
🗡️ Recent Reform feuds
This isn’t the first public split. Just weeks ago, MP Rupert Lowe was ousted after he allegedly threatened chairman Yusuf. A Met investigation ended with no charges, but Lowe insisted Farage and Reform launched a “brutal smear campaign” against him.
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Reform’s corridors seem more cutthroat than any battlefield—and Pochin’s burqa question may be the latest grenade. With infighting on full display, can Farage keep his party afloat? Stay tuned.
