The Professor simply made the point that the wearing of the nijab or any other item of clothing was a matter for individual choice and not the state- this was not a matter of political debate but personal preference. This is wholly embedded in our democracy and principles which enshrines states that it must not only act as a sword against terrorism, but equally must not allow hysteria to override it’s duty to protect and act as a shield to citizens by virtue whom express the right and freedom of expression.

He also made and important point that social change must come through education and not dictats, where people are entitled to hold different views and opinions, as well as wear different clothing.

There is a growing tendency evident in the newsnight interview (where the UKIP leader seems to be nodding to everything Mona was saying..) that it is acceptable to be ‘muslim’ as long as you do as ‘we’ say and not do as you do.

This attempt or attack on our freedoms cannot be entertained, not least since this can easily lead to the slippery slope where we ban some cultural norms, isolate, intimidate them further until they submit and come to the fold so to speak. This will not only back fire but lead ultimately, to divisions in communities and our society, particularly in an already heightened climate of fear, suspicion and distrust.