Tory MP wades into burkini-ban row saying 'there is something attractive about concealment'

Burkini ban: the swimwear has sparked a global debate after it was outlawed in France
AFP/Getty Images
Hannah Al-Othman28 August 2016
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

A senior Tory MP has waded into the burkini-ban row by declaring there is something "attractive, alluring, even sensual" about concealment.

Former minister Sir Desmond Swayne said that as a "hot-blooded male" he can appreciate a bikini-clad body, but a burkini "leaves more to the imagination."

Sir Desmond said people should feel free to "show off as little or as much as they like", in response to a constituent's concern about the burkini row in France.

The New Forest West MP said that it was for the French authorities to sort out their own affairs, but "as a general rule, most of us look far better with all our clothes on".

In a blog post on his website, Sir Desmond wrote that he had received an "outraged email" from a constituent in Barton-on-Sea who was "disgusted" that the burkini ban had been overturned by a French court.

Burkini row: Sir Desmond Swayne said there is something "attractive, alluring, even sensual" about concealment
Conservative Party/PA Wire

"Alas, the court is not accountable to me, and the French must sort out their own affairs. In any event, I am confident that no burkinis have been seen in Barton-on-Sea, or on any other beach in the New Forest parliamentary division," he wrote.

"Am I disappointed? I have always taken the view that people should feel free to show off as little or as much as they like, when it comes to beachwear.

"Like any hot-blooded male however, I appreciate beauty, which can sometimes be enhanced by a bikini. Equally, often there can be something quite attractive, alluring, even sensual, about concealment. It leaves more to the imagination.

"Whilst there are of course exceptions, as a general rule, most of us look far better with all our clothes on."

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in