Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused the Conservative party of having a problem with Muslims. He made the claim after Nick Timothy, the shadow justice spokesperson, called a public prayer in Trafalgar Square an “act of domination.”
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer demanded that Kemi Badenoch remove Timothy from her team. He said that Timothy’s tweet insulted Muslims, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Timothy wrote that mass ritual prayer in public spaces represents “domination” and that such acts follow “the Islamist playbook.” He also criticized the adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, calling it inappropriate for shared public spaces.
Starmer responded strongly. He said, “If Timothy were in my team, he would be gone. Badenoch should sack him immediately.” The prime minister added that the Conservatives have never criticized similar events by other faiths.
Badenoch defended Timothy, arguing that he was “defending British values.” She denied that his intervention reflected official policy. However, Starmer said the remarks highlighted a deeper issue.
Former Tory MPs and members of the public criticized the comments. Sayeeda Warsi, a former party co-chair, said that Muslim Conservatives are asking where the party is heading. She warned that singling out Muslims risks electoral failure.
Starmer told parliament, “It is only when Muslims pray publicly that the Conservatives react. The only conclusion is that the party has a problem with Muslims.”
Timothy later clarified that he did not mean to accuse everyone praying in Trafalgar Square of being Islamist. Scholars, however, said he misunderstood the meaning of the adhan. Qari Assam, an imam who advised the government, said the call to prayer is “a simple invitation to worship.” He warned that portraying Muslims as threatening fuels discrimination and hostility.
Timothy defended his remarks in a follow-up tweet, accusing critics, including former Tory MP Dominic Grieve, of “wilful misunderstanding.” Professor Javed Khan noted that Timothy’s comments could meet the government’s new definition of anti-Muslim hostility, though intent would need proof.
Meanwhile, Sadiq Khan has not directly responded. He shared photos of London’s diverse religious gatherings, emphasizing the city welcomes all communities.
The controversy has intensified debate about Islamophobia within the Conservative party and raised questions about leadership accountability. Starmer’s criticism reflects growing scrutiny of public statements toward minority communities.
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