Understand
Kemi Badenoch supports face covering ban at protests if deemed necessary by police
Overview
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated she would support a ban on face coverings at protests if police believe it is necessary, following recent demonstrations in Dover where participants wore balaclavas and blocked roads. Badenoch argued that protests should not be used as a cover for committing crimes and connected the unrest to broader issues with border security, advocating for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights to facilitate deportations and detainments.
Key points
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch supports a ban on face coverings at protests if required by police.
- Her remarks follow protests in Dover on 5 September where individuals in black clothing and balaclavas blocked main roads.
- Kent Police are considering taking steps to order the removal of face coverings under available legislation.
- Badenoch stated that protests are a symptom of a wider border security problem and called for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights.