[Margaret Pilkington]

when we are conversing with someone, we look at their face (hence the expression 'face to face') and we get a lot of information about what is being said by being able to read facial expressions. I can understand Jack Straw wanting to be able to look at the face of the people he is seeing in his surgeries....and he says that he always makes sure that the women in question have a female chaperone with them......and that he asks them politely if they mind removing their veils....he says that so far none has objected. I don't think he is being unreasonable....and he IS right. Although the veil is thought to be part of the religious doctrine it DOES convey to the outside world that this woman wants to proclaim her difference...whether that is for religious reasons or not. If Muslims want to be different so be it.....but then they should not be offended if they are at times asked to remove the face covering so that it can be ascertained that they are indeed female.......and that they are not a security risk. (especially in the current difficult climate). The other thing is .......sometimes I think that some muslims will take offence at any suggestion that is made....and perceive it as some sort of victimisation. They don't see or accept the bigger picture.
(Please note, I said SOME muslims).