1.2.2 – Established UK Parties
1.1.4 – Rights in the UK
Nick Timothy’s recent comments about a public iftar event in Trafalgar Square offer insight into the evolving direction of the Conservative Party. Timothy, the shadow justice secretary, described mass Muslim prayer in public spaces as an “act of domination” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), arguing such practices should be confined to mosques. He was referring to an open iftar held during Ramadan, organised to promote community cohesion and attended by thousands, including London mayor Sadiq Khan.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer strongly criticised Timothy’s remarks, calling them “appalling” and urging Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to dismiss him. Starmer argued the comments reflected a broader “problem with Muslims” within the party, contrasting them with the celebration of other religious festivals in public spaces.
Badenoch defended Timothy, stating he was “defending British values”. She emphasised concerns about social cohesion and suggested that public religious expression must align with national norms, particularly criticising the apparent gender segregation at the event. Some commentators last week highlighted the change in the Conservative Party’s stance when compared to Rishi Sunak who, as a Hindu, lit candles outside 10 Downing Street to celebrate Diwali.
This episode suggests a continuing rightward shift within the Conservatives, with greater emphasis on cultural identity, national values and scepticism towards visible expressions of Islam. On Friday, Labour’s Attorney General, Lord Hermer, entered the debate asking if the Conservatives would have had the same issue with him – a Jewish man – praying in public, suggesting that issue is do with Islam rather than with public religious displays.
Critics argue this risks aligning the party with more hardline positions associated with Reform UK, with whom the Conservatives are contesting on the right of British politics ahead of upcoming local and devolved elections.
More broadly, the controversy raises important questions about freedom of religion in the UK. While religious expression is protected, debates over its limits in shared public spaces highlight tensions between tolerance, inclusion and differing interpretations of “British values”.