Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to remove Nick Timothy from his role as shadow justice secretary following Timothy’s remarks describing Muslim prayers in Trafalgar Square as “an act of domination.”
Controversial Comments on Public Muslim Prayers
Nick Timothy, a senior Conservative and former chief of staff to Theresa May, posted a video of hundreds of Muslims led by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan praying in Trafalgar Square to mark iftar, the breaking of the Ramadan fast. Timothy criticized the gathering, suggesting that mass ritual prayer in public spaces is intended as a declaration of domination and should be confined to mosques. He linked the practice to Islamist tactics and argued it should not be allowed in shared public institutions.
Timothy wrote: “The adhan – the call to prayer which declares there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger – when called in a public place, is a declaration of domination.”
Reactions and Party Responses
Sir Keir Starmer described Timothy’s comments as “utterly appalling” and said the Conservative Party has a problem with Muslims due to repeated criticism of Muslim events. He demanded that Kemi Badenoch condemn the remarks and sack Timothy.
Ms. Badenoch defended Timothy, stating he was “defending British values.” Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake expressed full support for Timothy, while shadow transport secretary Richard Holden acknowledged mass prayer in public could be seen as an act of domination “in certain circumstances.”
Sir Sadiq Khan responded by sharing images of multi-faith celebrations in Trafalgar Square, including Christian Easter, Hindu Diwali, Sikh Vaisakhi, and Jewish Hanukkah, declaring, “London is, and will always be, a place for everyone.”
Criticism from Across the Political Spectrum
Former Conservative attorney general Dominic Grieve criticized Timothy’s post as contradictory to his advocacy for free speech, questioning if it implied support for discriminatory legislation targeting Muslims. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy urged Timothy to “stop fanning the flames of division,” highlighting the inclusion of various religious festivities in public spaces.
Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell described Timothy’s remarks as an “extreme reaction,” emphasizing the importance of multi-faith cooperation in Britain.
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