By Daniel Woolfson

Liberal Democrat MP Jeremy Browne’s call for a national debate in regards to whether Islamic female students should be allowed to wear a traditional face-covering veil has caused controversy this month.

We asked the people of Brighton how they felt the government should respond to the question of Islamic headwear in schools and public places:

Lauren, 24, a shop assistant told us: “To ban the veil defeats the purpose of having a free-thinking nation. It’s hard to integrate foreign traditions into our society, but as England becomes more diverse, we should learn to be more accepting.”

Elliot, 19, who is currently a student said: “People should look past the veil – it’s not [Muslim women’s] fault if people solely identify them by their religion.”

Shereen, 25, who works in event promotion and production said: ‘My view is mixed. Of course women should be able to wear what they want, but there’s plenty of cases where the veil is used as a method of control rather than a free expression of religion. Wearing the veil can really isolate women.”

Andy, 70, a retired builder said: “I think for a functioning society you’ve got to be able to properly see people’s faces, so I don’t agree with the wearing of veils in public at all.”

Finally, Janet, 44, who works in administration told us: “Ultimately national security is more important than religious views. There are so many countries that have problems with religion controlling the way their governments work. Religion should be personal, and banning veils from schools is a way of making sure it stays personal.”