‘Sack him’: Keir Starmer criticizes Nick Timothy over ‘act of supremacy’ comments on Muslims praying in Trafalgar Square
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized Conservative MP Nick Timothy over his comments on Muslims praying at an open Iftar gathering in Trafalgar Square. Speaking in parliament, Starmer accused the Conservatives of having a “problem with Muslims” and called on Tory leader Kemi Badenoch to sack Timothy from the shadow cabinet.
what did starmer say
Starmer said Timothy had suggested that “Muslims practicing their faith while publicly praying, including the Mayor of London, are not welcome.”He added, “He called it an act of domination. Straight from Islamist ideology. If he were on my team, he would have left. This is completely appalling. They should condemn his comments and fire him.”
Reiterating his point, Starmer said: “When I see religious gatherings in Trafalgar Square, when I see Hindus celebrating Diwali, when I see Jews celebrating Hanukkah, when I see Christians demonstrating the Passion of Christ or Muslims praying, it shows the great strength of our diverse city and country.”He added, “I have never heard his party call for anything other than Muslim events. It only happens when Muslims are praying. The only conclusion is that the Tory Party has a problem with Muslims.”
Nick Timothy faced criticism
Timothy’s comments, in which he publicly called mass prayer an “act of domination”, were widely criticized politically. Independent MP Adnan Hussain called his comments “outrageous”, questioning whether similar objections to gatherings were raised by other religions.Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy accused them of “fanning the flames of division”, while Labor deputy leader Lucy Powell described the reaction as “extreme”.Although some Conservatives supported Timothy, party leaders defended his comments, saying they stood up for “British values”.
‘London is for everyone’: Sadiq Khan
London Mayor Sadiq Khan countered the criticism by highlighting the diversity of the city.Sharing photos of the gathering in Trafalgar Square and other multi-faith gatherings, Khan stressed unity across communities, saying London “will always be a place for everyone”.The controversy began when Timothy posted a video from an open iftar event organized by the Ramadan Tent Project, which hosts public gatherings during Ramadan. Sharing the video, he wrote, “Congregating prayers in public places is an act of dominance,” and said such incidents “should not happen again.”The event in Trafalgar Square was attended by people from many religions and backgrounds.