Leading British Muslims accuse Reform UK of stoking hostile sentiment

 Leading British Muslims accuse Reform UK of stoking hostile sentiment

Chorus of disapproval follows resignation of party chair Zia Yusuf over burqa ban row

LONDON – Reform UK is facing internal criticism and renewed scrutiny after the resignation of its party chair, Zia Yusuf, a prominent British Muslim figure. His departure has sparked deeper concerns from Muslim community leaders, who warn the party’s rhetoric is increasingly alienating British Muslims and amplifying anti-Muslim sentiment in public discourse.
Zia Yusuf, who referred to himself as a "British Muslim patriot," stepped down after less than a year in the role. Though he did not cite a specific reason in his public resignation, his decision closely followed an internal disagreement over remarks made by Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin regarding a potential burqa ban — an issue not formally part of the party's platform.

Earlier that day, Yusuf publicly criticised Pochin’s comments as “dumb,” questioning the decision to press Prime Minister Keir Starmer on such a divisive topic. Pochin, a former Conservative MP, had drawn attention during Prime Minister's Questions by advocating for a ban on the burqa and later posing with a controversial “Two Tier Keir” mug — an image that implied Starmer favoured Muslims over other groups.
Although Reform UK leader Nigel Farage did not endorse the burqa ban outright, he declined to back Yusuf and instead called for a national debate on the issue. Farage has previously distanced the party from far-right figures such as Tommy Robinson but has recently focused more on Islamic-related issues during appearances on GB News.
Community Leaders Raise the Alarm
The backlash from British Muslim organisations has been swift. Akeela Ahmed, co-chair of the newly established British Muslim Network, said Yusuf’s resignation revealed a larger issue within Reform UK.
“It’s a stark illustration that many in the party do not view British Muslims as equal citizens,” said Ahmed. “There’s a deeply concerning trend where anti-Muslim sentiment is being used as a political tool.”
Baroness Shaista Gohir, CEO of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, echoed these concerns, criticising MPs who use subtle or coded language that fuels public hostility toward Muslims.
“This pattern has become more common, especially under the last Conservative government,” said Gohir. “Muslim women who wear the headscarf increasingly feel targeted and unsafe.”
Labour MP Afzal Khan also weighed in, warning that divisive rhetoric from politicians can directly contribute to spikes in hate crimes. He referenced former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “letterbox” remark as an example of how public discourse can negatively impact Muslim communities.
“When we focus on a tiny minority, we ignore the broader issues. Burqas should not be prioritised over real concerns like poverty and healthcare,” said Khan.
Dog Whistle Politics or Legitimate Debate?
Former Conservative Cabinet Minister Sayeeda Warsi criticised Sarah Pochin’s comments as “attention-seeking” and accused her of engaging in “dog whistle politics.”
“This is a fringe issue,” Warsi said on Times Radio. “Her constituents likely care more about the cost of living, education, and public services — not about a handful of women wearing the burqa.”
She noted that in Pochin’s constituency of Runcorn, Muslims likely represent a very small portion of the population, making her focus on Islamic dress disproportionate and politically motivated.
The Road Ahead for Reform UK
Yusuf’s resignation leaves a leadership gap within Reform UK. Speculation is mounting over who will take over the role, with names such as Brexit donor Arron Banks, current deputy leader Richard Tice, and TV personality David Bull being floated as possible successors.
Insiders suggest Yusuf’s exit may have stemmed from growing disillusionment over the party’s direction — particularly its focus on contentious cultural issues rather than pressing concerns like the economy and immigration.
While Reform UK continues to grow in visibility, the party now faces internal pressure to re-evaluate how it communicates with — and about — minority communities in Britain.