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Blair hints of opposition to BA cross ban
Last updated at 19:22pm on 27.11.06
Nadia Eweida wearing the cross at the centre of the row
The Prime Minister gave a strong signal today that he believes British Airways was wrong to deny a Christian check-in worker the right to wear a small cross around her neck.
The case of Nadia Eweida attracted a huge amount of publicity last week after she lost an appeal against wearing the cross over her uniform.
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• BA cross women vows no compromise as 92-per cent of public back her
The airline announced a review of its policy at the end of last week following growing controversy and criticism of BA's behaviour against the Heathrow worker.
The Prime Minister was asked in public for the first time today for his views on the row when the airline's chairman Martin Broughton raised the issue at the CBI's annual conference in London.
During a question and answer session, Mr Broughton surprised onlookers by quizzing the Prime Minister about his views on uniform policy.
Mr Blair said he would give some "frank" advice, adding: "There are battles really worth fighting and there are battles really, really not worth fighting."
Mr Blair conceded that the issue of uniforms was "really difficult", adding: "I am a fan of the airline and a fan of its management, but some things arise in a certain way and you are best to do the sensible thing - know what I mean?"
Ms Eweida, from Twickenham in south west London, has one more appeal to take against BA, which is expected to be heard in the next few weeks.
Ahe has been staying at home on unpaid leave since the row blew up last month.
Reader views (4)
Well said, Dhanraj!
If I were to wear all the garb usually associated with my "religion" in public, i.e., tall pointy hat, black robes, and silver pentacle around my neck, I would completely expect people to find it a bit detrop and even threatening. That is why I do not do it. Proclaiming one's religious beliefs with a load of obvious symbols, be it jewellery or garments can actually be quite aggressive. One's relationship with the divine should be a personal matter.
- Elinnid, London, UK
A bit late in the day Tony to climb on the band wagon. Perhaps you were waiting to see which way the wind blows. For me, I am quite convinced in my own mind that BA have backed down and are reviewing the policy, if a review is to take place, then ban all symbols of religion at the workplace, for everyone.
- Dhanraj, Basildon, Essex
Tony should take his own advice and get out of Iraq now. What a stupid waste of time and lives.
- John, Essex UK
Sure thing! Some battles are not really worth fighting for such as Iraq, Afghanistan, the European Constitution, Regional Assemblies et al, when the best policy is to sit on the fence, keep the lips moving and intersperse any intelligent passages which might emerge with winning smiles - a la Tony Blair.
- Robert, Hull, East Yorks.,
