From The Press Association

A Tory MP has launched an effort to pass a law banning Muslim women from wearing the burka. Philip Hollobone will attempt to steer legislation through the Commons to regulate the wearing of "certain facial coverings".

He told the Press Association: "I think it's inappropriate to cover your face in public, whether it's a burka, a balaclava or anything else. We are never going to get along with having a fully integrated society if a substantial minority insist on concealing their identity from everyone else."

The MP said the British public like to smile and greet one another in the street but "you simply can't have that degree of interaction with people if you can't see their face". He got a lot of support when he said this before the election; and his constituents re-elected him.

The backbencher was one of 20 MPs drawn in a ballot for the chance to get a Private Members' Bill on the statute book. His Face Coverings (Regulation) Bill had its first reading in the Commons on Wednesday, a formality which allows the legislation to be printed. Because Mr Hollobone was only drawn 17th in the ballot, his Bill stands little chance of progress.