PM Urges Dismissal of Tory for Criticizing Muslim Trafalgar Square Prayers

Sir Keir Starmer has urged the sacking of senior Conservative Nick Timothy after comments about Muslims praying in Trafalgar Square. The prime minister told Tory leader Kemi Badenoch to denounce the remarks and dismiss him.

What was said

Nick Timothy posted video of a large iftar gathering in Trafalgar Square. He said mass ritual prayer in public could be seen as an act of domination.

He specifically referenced the adhan, the public call to prayer, as a declaration that excludes other faiths. He argued such rituals belong in mosques, not shared public spaces.

Event context

The gathering marked iftar during Ramadan and drew hundreds of participants. London Mayor Sadiq Khan hosted the event and spoke in favour of interfaith participation.

Khan was pictured praying and celebrating the presence of Jewish, Christian, Hindu and non-religious participants.

Political fallout

At Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer criticised the Conservatives. He said he had rarely seen similar public criticism of non-Muslim events.

Badenoch defended Timothy, calling his remarks a defence of British values. The prime minister described the comments as “utterly appalling”.

Responses from across politics

• Sadiq Khan posted images of other religious festivals in Trafalgar Square. He wrote that London remains open to everyone.
• Former attorney general Dominic Grieve called the post “very odd” for a free-speech advocate. He asked whether Timothy supported discriminatory laws.
• Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy urged Timothy to stop fanning division. Labour figures said the episode showed unnecessary hostility.
• Conservative MPs defended Timothy. Richard Holden said public prayer can be dominating in some circumstances. Party chair Kevin Hollinrake offered full support.

Timothy doubles down

On Wednesday, Timothy rejected what he called wilful misunderstandings. He reiterated that his critique targeted public ritual, not private worship.

He said the public call to prayer explicitly excludes other religions in a shared space. He accused opponents of avoiding substantive debate.

The dispute has reignited debate about public religious observance and shared civic spaces. The PM urged dismissal of the Tory amid calls for clarity from party leaders.

Reporting by Filmogaz.com.