Caroline Spelman, the Environment Secretary, claims the burka empowers women. I suppose it could do in the same way FGM, foot binding, Suttee, a chastity belt, empower women – which is err, not at all.

Here is an extensive interview I did with Ireland’s Newstalk radio on the issue.

Also see:
What’s all the fuss about the veil?
The veil and violence against women

Carline Spelman should walk around in the burka for 24 hours and see how empowered she feels.