UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer slammed Conservative MP Nick Timothy over his remarks on Muslims praying at an Open Iftar gathering at Trafalgar Square. Speaking in Parliament, Starmer accused the Conservatives of having “a problem with Muslims” and asked Tory leader Kemi Badenoch to sack Timothy from the shadow cabinet.
What Starmer said
Starmer said Timothy had suggested “that Muslims praying in public, including the mayor of London, practising his faith, are not welcome.”
He added: “He described it as an act of domination. Straight from the Islamist playbook. If he was in my team, he’d be gone. It’s utterly appalling. She should denounce his comments and she should sack him.”
Doubling down, Starmer said: “When I see religious events in Trafalgar Square, when I see Hindus celebrating Diwali, when I see Jews celebrating Hannukah live, when I see Christians performing the passion of Christ or Muslims praying, that shows the great strength of our diverse city and country.”
He further said: “I’ve never heard her party call out anything other than the Muslim events. It’s only when Muslims are praying. The only conclusion is the Tory party has got a problem with Muslims.”
I’m proud of our tolerant and diverse country.I’m proud that in Trafalgar Square we celebrate all faiths.
That’s British values.
The comments from Nick Timothy are shameful. Kemi Badenoch should do the right thing and sack him. pic.twitter.com/X4NKa6BenD
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 18, 2026
Nick Timothy faces criticism
Timothy’s remarks, in which he called mass prayer in public an “act of domination”, drew widespread criticism across political lines. Independent MP Adnan Hussain called his comments “disgraceful,” questioning whether similar objections were raised for gatherings by other faiths.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy accused him of “fanning the flames of division,” while Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell termed the reaction “extreme.”
However, some Conservatives backed Timothy, with party figures defending his remarks as standing up for “British values.”
‘London is for everyone’: Sadiq Khan
London Mayor Sadiq Khan pushed back against the criticism, highlighting the city’s diversity.
Sharing images from the gathering and other multi-faith celebrations at Trafalgar Square, Khan said London “will always be a place for everyone,” emphasising unity across communities.
The event at Trafalgar Square was attended by people of multiple faiths and backgrounds.
