Sir – It would be hurtful and provocative to ban Muslim girls from wearing headscarves, unless at the same time all religious symbols were banned, including crucifixes, rosaries, skull-caps, Hindu tikkas, Sikh turbans etc.

Anyway, it is not only Muslim women who wear headscarves; the Queen is often seen in one. It would be good if more non-Muslims wore headscarves as an expression of solidarity.

Face-veils are a different matter. They are not required by Islam, and they interfere with the most basic social signalling, for the face is the primary means by which we recognise individuals and show feelings.

P J Stewart
Boars Hill