Italy's right-wing Northern League party has put forward a bill calling for the burkha to be banned in public.
The bill comes just weeks after France made the controversial veil illegal on security grounds. If it is passed, observers reckon the pressure on Britain to impose a ban will increase.
But, a Northern League insider has told us that security issues are just a cover for the real reason for banning the burkha.
"No, no, no - ees notta really da secureetee," said Giovanni Del Bolognaise. "Ees abouta seeing the pretty ladeez.
"Ow canna we admire the lovely ladeez whenna they are all a-covered uppa in those big 'orrible things.
"Ees justa notta Italiano - capisco?
