Theresa
May has taken a stand against Saudi Arabia's ultra-conservative regime by not
wearing a headscarf - going against official Foreign Office advice.
The
Prime Minister, in a dark blue trouser suit, made sure she had her wrists and
ankles covered, in accordance with strict dress codes for women in Saudi
Arabia.
But
her choice of outfit as she arrived on Tuesday afternoon was contrary to
Foreign Office guidelines, which state: “Women should wear conservative,
loose-fitting clothes as well as a full length cloak (abaya) and a headscarf.”
Mrs
May won widespread praise on Twitter, with users saying they were “proud you
have not bowed down” to the regime, and that “secular women are equal and
free”.
Britain’s
only other female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, wore a long robe and a hat
that covered most of her hair when she made an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
Members
of the Royal family also abide by the Foreign Office’s advice when they visit
the strict Muslim kingdom.
There
is, however, no law requiring foreign visitors to cover their heads, and Mrs
May is by no means the first visiting foreign VIP to go bare-headed.
Michelle
Obama left her head uncovered when she visited Saudi Arabia with President
Barack Obama in 2015 to pay respects following King Abdullah’s death.
Condoleezza
Rice, the former US Secretary of State, also went bare-headed on the same trip.
Before
she arrived in Saudi Arabia, Mrs May had said she hoped her visit would show
“what women can achieve”.
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk
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