Former Home Office Minister Jeremy Browne recently stated that as a nation, we need to have a discussion about whether or not the face veil should be banned in public places. This is not the first time such a statement has been made, and in light of the ban in France, politicians of all persuasions have voiced an opinion. But what is it that is so offensive about the burqa? Is it an overt symbol of female oppression? Do these women need ‘protecting’ as Browne suggests, or does the very nature of a liberal, pluralistic society mean we have to allow for all forms of religious and cultural expression? Is the burqa fundamentally un-British; a provocative gesture by those who are defiantly unwilling to subscribe to British cultural norms? Or is legislating to police what people wear what’s truly un-British? Would a ban undermine the values of freedom and tolerance just to deal with non-problem? Or is it simply common sense?