It is preposterous that people can go around in public totally covered inside a burqa or anything similar, hiding all theirdistinguishing features and expect to receive the same treatment as others.

In society, when we require or request any service whether in a shop or a bus, or in any office or government department, we do it in our name as a unique person distinguished by our individual and unique facial characteristics.

We all automatically assume responsibility for whatever we say and do.

People under cover – whatever the cover – can say or do many things which are unacceptable and even criminal.

I am in no way implying that people wearing a burqa have evil intentions but, as we all know, most criminals cover their faces so that they are not recognised.

Sadly the use of the burqa and all extreme forms of face coverings have become more common in the recent past simply because moderate, normal Muslims are afraid of upsetting in any way extremists who could be moving into their community.

They feel coerced to comply with the external symbols of the most extreme in their community for the imagined ‘safety’ of their family.

This became very evident for example in Egypt after Mohammed Mursi took power and in Turkey since Erdogan consolidated his power.

In European countries, where our society is accustomed to being free and each individual, man or woman, is responsible for his actions.

We must never allow any individual to go around in any public space, hooded or masked, in such a way that they could not be distinguished. If absolutely necessary, veils which cover the hair but leave the face uncovered are perfectly acceptable.

But no full covering shouldbe allowed in public, both to respect public decency and for reaons of security.