Boris Johnson won't apologise over burka comments despite calls from Theresa May | ITV News

Описание: Prime Minister Theresa May has piled pressure on Boris Johnson for his remarks around Muslim women wearing burkas as he continues to resist pressure to apologise.

The former foreign secretary has branded those criticising his comments "ridiculous."

Mrs May has said she agrees with Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis, who earlier called on Mr Johson to apologise for his controversial words.

"I do think that we all have to be very careful about the language and terms we use.

"And some of the terms Boris used describing people's appearance obviously have offended. So I agree with Brandon Lewis," she said.

"What's important is do we believe people should have the right to practise their religion and, in the case of women and the burka and niqab, to choose how they dress.

"I believe women should be able to choose how they dress."

A source close to Mr Johnson made it clear that he was not retracting his words.

"It is ridiculous that these views are being attacked - we must not fall into the trap of shutting down the debate on difficult issues," said the source.

"We have to call it out. If we fail to speak up for liberal values then we are simply yielding ground to reactionaries and extremists."

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