Nearly 1,000 hijabs were distributed to migrants arriving in the United Kingdom by small boats during the first half of 2026, according to government figures, sparking debate over the use of public funds for religious clothing. Data obtained by The Mail on Sunday indicate that 974 Muslim head coverings were issued between January and June, averaging approximately 162 per month.

These hijabs were part of a wider provision of clothing items given to migrants upon arrival. Alongside religious headwear, officials distributed thousands of clothing packs, including dry clothing sets, beanie hats, and babygrows. The records show that 10,694 packs were issued to men, 2,670 to women, 773 to boys, and 829 to girls. Additionally, 572 beanie hats and 350 babygrows were supplied.

A Home Office representative explained that the department is legally obligated to provide basic clothing that accommodates the cultural and religious needs of detainees. This duty is outlined in the Short-term Holding Facility Rules, which require that those detained receive clothing suitable for maintaining warmth and health. The guidance also mandates that facilities consider detainees’ religious and cultural backgrounds "as far as practicable."

“All arrivals receive a basic dry clothing pack where required. The items available form part of standard welfare arrangements,” the source commented.

The disclosure has drawn criticism from opposition politicians. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called for the practice to be halted. He described the distribution of hijabs to migrants as "an insult to hard-working British taxpayers," asserting that public funds should not be used to support religious practices of those who enter the country illegally.

The data cover only the first six months of the year; if distribution continued at the same pace, nearly 1,500 hijabs might have been provided by the end of September.

Separately, the issue of hijabs has also become contentious in the context of school uniforms. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed opposition to including hijabs as part of school attire, describing it as "an instrument of female suppression" that the state should not endorse.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions surrounding cultural accommodation and public spending in the UK amid continued arrivals of migrants by sea.