Conservative Leader Supports Shadow Justice Secretary’s Comments on Public Prayers
Kemi Badenoch has expressed support for her shadow justice secretary, Nick Timothy, following his remarks describing Islamic prayers held in public spaces as intimidating and un-British. The Labour party responded by accusing the Conservatives of adopting prejudiced rhetoric.
The controversy began when Timothy shared images on social media depicting a prayer event in London’s Trafalgar Square. He characterized mass prayer in public as
“an act of domination”and
“straight from the Islamist playbook.”
After receiving criticism, including from London Mayor Sadiq Khan who attended the event, Timothy reaffirmed his stance. He described such public expressions of a non-Christian faith as a
“challenge”and a call for replacement.
Badenoch Addresses the Debate on Religious Expression in Public Spaces
During the launch of the Conservatives’ local election campaign in London on Thursday, Badenoch was questioned about her position in relation to Timothy’s comments and alternative views suggesting the primary concern was the gender segregation of prayers at the event.
She responded:
“They are both correct. This is a country that has always tolerated minority faiths and allowed people, including people of ethnic minorities, to live freely. But this debate which Nick is having is not about freedom of religion. It is about how religion is expressed in a shared public space, and whether those expressions fit within the norms of a British culture.”
Badenoch further stated:
“As a woman, especially, and as a woman of an ethnic minority who grew up in a country where [gender segregation] was very visible, I’m very uncomfortable with seeing women pushed to the back, in the middle of Trafalgar Square.”
She acknowledged that religious festivities in Trafalgar Square are welcome but emphasized that:
“they have to be inclusive and also respectful of British culture. We need to make sure that the religious expression is in conformity with our values, our norms, our beliefs. And sometimes that does mean saying, actually, no, that’s probably too much.”
Clarifications and Context on the Open Iftar Event
Badenoch did not specify how the Open Iftar event held on Monday, which invited people to join in breaking the Ramadan fast at dusk, failed to be inclusive or respectful of British culture. It also remained unclear whether her reference to women being
“pushed to the back”pertained to the gender-separated prayers or other aspects of the event. Photographs from the event showed men and women together aside from the prayer separation. Requests for clarification from Badenoch’s spokesperson were not answered.
The Trafalgar Square event marked the final of 18 Open Iftars organized nationwide during Ramadan, with other locations including the National Gallery, Tottenham Hotspur stadium, and Silverstone racing circuit. The event has been held at Trafalgar Square for six consecutive years without prior criticism.
Timothy’s Call to Ban the Trafalgar Square Event
In an article for The Telegraph, Timothy argued that the Trafalgar Square event should be prohibited, stating:
“A memorial to national independence, Trafalgar Square belongs to us all. To use it as a stage for this act of domination and division is completely wrong, and it should never be allowed to happen again.”
Labour Party’s Response
Anna Turley, chair of the Labour party, criticized Badenoch’s support of Timothy, saying:
“Kemi Badenoch used her local election launch to back her shadow justice secretary when she should have already sacked him. It’s shameful that she lacks any backbone and won’t condemn his despicable comments on Muslims.
The Tories have now joined Reform in the gutter by adopting endorsed views over Muslims peacefully praying in London. The majority of Brits – including many Conservatives – will rightly be appalled by it. It shows just how far the Tories have sunk.”
