ALMOST seven out of 10 people in Worcester say they disagree with the UK Independence Party's controversial 'veil ban' policy.

A major Worcester News poll has revealed how 68 per cent believe Muslim women should be allowed to wear the full-face veil if they wish.

The poll, which lasted almost 24 hours on our website, also found that 27 per cent agreed with the UKIP manifesto move while five per cent were unsure.

It comes just days after Worcester-based UKIP MEP James Carver quit as the party's foreign affairs spokesman over the policy, calling it "divisive".

Worcester News:

Worcester's Muslim Welfare Association chairman Haris Saleem yesterday backed the poll findings, and called Mr Carver "very brave" for taking a stand.

Mr Saleem said: "We've seen his comments and we welcome and appreciate them - it was very brave of him.

"If someone wants to wear the veil, as long as it's not harming anybody they should have that freedom."

Worcester MP Robin Walker, a Conservative, has suggested Mr Carver leaves UKIP altogether.

"What he did was a respectable, sensible decision and he deserves great credit for it," he said.

"I applaud him for taking a stand against such a racist, unnecessary line - I'm glad a ban on the veil has not been a major part of political debate in the UK.

"Hopefully Jim will now think long and hard about whether this is a party he wants to be associated with."

Yesterday, Mr Carver told the Worcester News he was "humbled" and "touched" by the response from the public, other parties and many people within UKIP.

"I'm humbled by the support I've had from across society including the full political spectrum, people within UKIP and the public," he said.

He also said he felt it was vital politicians "of all parties" can "speak out on matters of personal conscience" if they felt strongly enough.

"Maybe if more of us did that, turnout at elections would be higher," he said.

He remains a UKIP MEP, representing the entire West Midlands region in Brussels, but is no longer part of Paul Nuttall's leadership team.

A ban on the full-face veil is part of UKIP's manifesto under a so-called 'integration strategy'.

It also includes a ban on Sharia law, and having girls at risk of female genital mutilation undergo regular medical checks at school.