Nigel Farage, leading UK opinion polls, has stated he would ban mass Muslim prayer at historic British sites if elected prime minister. This stance follows his criticism of an open Iftar held in London’s Trafalgar Square earlier this week, which he called an “attempt to overtake, intimidate and dominate our way of life.”
The debate intensified when Conservative MP Nick Timothy wrote on X that mass ritual prayer in public places is an act of domination. He urged performing these rituals in mosques instead.
Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized Timothy’s comments, calling for the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to sack him. Badenoch stated the Tories want religious observances in public places to be inclusive and respectful of British culture.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a Muslim, called Timothy’s remarks a disgrace to the Conservative Party. Reform UK has led national surveys for over a year, though some polls have shown recent declines. The next general election is not due until 2029.