Keir Starmer has called on Kemi Badenoch to dismiss a senior Conservative frontbencher after he described mass Muslim prayer in public as an “act of domination and division.”
The Labour leader stated that comments made by Nick Timothy, the shadow justice secretary, indicate that the Tory Party has a “problem with Muslims.”
He warned that if Timothy were in Labour, “he’d be gone.”
Timothy’s remarks referred to an Open Iftar event in Trafalgar Square, attended by Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, where thousands gathered to break their fast-during Ramadan. In a post on X, Timothy stated: “Mass ritual prayer in public places is an act of domination.
Perform these rituals in mosques if you wish, but they are not welcome in our public spaces and shared institutions.”
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir criticised these comments, saying: “She appointed the shadow justice secretary. He said last night that Muslims praying in public are not welcome. If he were in my team, he’d be gone. It’s utterly appalling.”
Starmer further claimed that Timothy’s remarks echoed rhetoric associated with Tommy Robinson, who has voiced support for Timothy online. “Tommy Robinson isn’t some sort of moral signpost,” he said, “but he was pointing out how much their party has changed.”
Too many are too polite to say this.
But mass ritual prayer in public places is an act of domination.
The adhan – which declares there is no god but allah and Muhammad is his messenger – is, when called in a public place, a declaration of domination.
Perform these rituals in… pic.twitter.com/PIfJAgb7Zk
— Nick Timothy MP (@NJ_Timothy) March 17, 2026
In response, Badenoch refused to dismiss Timothy, arguing that he was “defending British values.” She contrasted his position with that of David Lammy, the Justice Secretary, stating: “I know who I would rather have sitting on the front bench next to me.”
A spokesperson for the Conservative leader explained that Timothy’s comments were based on footage showing segregated prayer at the event, arguing that while Britain is an open and tolerant society, “freedom of religion does not mean the freedom to do anything.”
The Open Iftar, organised by the Ramadan Tent Project, was expected to attract around 3,000 attendees. Similar public religious celebrations, including those for Chanukah, Diwali, and Easter, have long taken place in central London.
Sir Keir defended such gatherings, asserting that they reflect “the great strength of our diverse city and country.” He added, “I’ve never heard her party call out anything other than Muslim events. The only conclusion is that the Tory Party has a problem with Muslims.”
In response, Timothy reiterated his stance, arguing that large-scale public prayer represents “the domination of public places” and “shouldn’t happen again.” Meanwhile, Sir Sadiq praised the event as a symbol of unity, stating: “There’s always a place at the table in this city.”
