Backlash over Tory MP calling London Ramadan prayers 'an act of dominance and division'

A Conservative MP has come under fire for calling public prayers during Ramadan "an act of dominance" in reference to an event organised in London’s Trafalgar Square, where people were invited to break their fast and perform prayers in accordance with the practices of the holy Muslim month.

Nick Timothy, the Conservative MP for West Suffolk, who serves as Shadow Secretary for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor, slammed the event on X as a "mass public prayer" and the adhan (call to prayer) "a declaration of domination" that should not be "welcome in public spaces or institutions".

He went on to label the British-Muslim event in Trafalgar Square an "act of division".

Among the participants was London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has attended Open Iftar events in Trafalgar Square over the years, and who himself faced Islamophobia from politicians on both sides of the Atlantic.

Timothy also said the so-called "domination" of public spaces comes "straight from the Islamist playbook", but said that didn’t necessarily mean that people taking part were "Islamists".

Timothy’s comments have drawn criticism from several figures on social media, including from Labour MPs Naz Shah and David Lammy, the UK’s deputy prime minister, who told Timothy to "stop fanning the flames of division" in a statement on X.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned Timothy during a speech on Wednesday in Parliament, saying that his comments were indicative of a "problem with Muslims" within the Tory party, and pointed to the lack of outrage when groups of other faiths mark religious or cultural occasions in Trafalgar Square.

Green Lane Masjid, one of the UK’s leading mosques, told The New Arab that Timothy’s comments were "concerning as they deepen division in society".

"Parliamentary figures must uphold the values of respect and inclusion of all its people, not undermine them through rhetoric that targets any community. Language that appears to be Islamophobic and harmful to social cohesion must be challenged," they said.

The Birmingham mosque added: "Trafalgar Square has long been a place of Britain’s diversity, hosting cultural and religious events that bring people together. The Open Iftar was a powerful example of unity, welcoming people from all faiths and none. It was a successful show of real tolerance, acceptance, and celebration for shared humanity. Our public spaces must remain open and inclusive to all."

The Open Iftar event, organised by the Ramadan Tent Project, has been held annually for years and across several locations in the UK.  

The Open Iftar events are open to people of all faiths and none, and described as a project aiming to bring about "good relations between people for a more harmonious society".

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "delighted" that the capital’s iconic square was "once again" hosting the event.

"Londoners from all faiths, races and backgrounds united in the heart of our capital to break their fasts, honour the values of this holy month and send a message of hope," he said.

"Together we showed the world that London will always be a city that celebrates and champions our diversity, as we build a better and fairer London for everyone."

Monday’s Open Iftar drew around 3,000 people to London, and has taken place in other locations such as Brighton Dome, the Library of Birmingham, and London’s Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.