London, Aug 16 : Some swimming pools in Britain are imposing a Muslim dress code under which swimmers, including non-Muslims, have been told to cover themselves up in ‘Burkinis’ if they want to swim.

The swimmers have been told that they must comply with the dress code as it is required by Islamic custom.

According to the custom, women should be covered from the neck to the ankles, while men, who swim separately, should be covered from the navel to the knees.

Several Labour MPs described the move as divisive, which would unfortunately have a negative impact on community relations.

“I don''t think that in a local authority pool I should have to wear a particular type of clothes for the benefit of someone else. That''s not integration or cohesion,” The Telegraph quoted Anne Cryer, a Labour MP, as saying.

“It''s seen as yet another demand for special treatment. I can''t see why special clothing is needed for what is a single-sex session,” he added.

Meanwhile, Douglas Murray, director of the Centre for Social Cohesion, condemned the practice of Muslim dress code that was being carried out.

“Non-Muslims see these extremist demands as an example of Muslims wanting things to fit into their lifestyle, when there aren''t similar things organised for Hindus, Buddhists or Jews,” said Murray.

“It also puts moderate Muslims in an awkward position as it suggests, wrongly, that they are not devout enough, simply because they choose not to cover themselves in a shroud in a pool,” he added. (ANI)