If he's partially deaf, he needs to consider adaptive equipment and strategies. Are we all to shout in the presence of every hard of hearng person we encounter? I think not. (Fun at a concert, eh? "WHAT DID HE SAY, WHAT'S HE SINGING?")

A person with a disability can easily create a workable approach and STILL respect people with whom they deal professionally. In this case, for example, an interpreter on Straw's staff might convey what the veil makes inaudible, and then Straw can read THEIR lips. "Mr. Straw is hard of hearing and your veil makes it hard for him to understand you, so I will help him."

Of course then a person might choose to make Mr. Straw's life a bit easier and remove the veil, but to require it-- to hold one's willingness to help hostage to compliance-- is an abuse of power. He's not a private individual, like an attorney who only takes cases from people who fit his parameters. If he is an MP then he should represent ALL his constituents, and it's on HIM to do his best with whatever communication skill or style they have.

This is not a matter of PC-- it's a matter of basic courtesy and appropriate behavior from a public official.

~Susan