Starmer tells Conservatives to sack minister over Muslim prayer remarks as Eid approaches

LONDON, UK - A political row over Muslim public prayers has intensified in the UK Parliament just days before Eid, after Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on the Conservatives to sack a senior frontbench member over controversial remarks.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Starmer urged Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to take action against Nick Timothy following his comments on Muslims praying in public spaces.

“She should denounce his comments and she should sack him,” Starmer told Parliament.

Remarks that sparked the row

The dispute centres on a social media post by Timothy referring to Muslims praying during a public Ramadan gathering in Trafalgar Square, London.

In the post, he wrote: “Mass ritual prayer in public places is an act of domination.”

He added: “They are not welcome in our public places and shared institutions.”

The remarks have drawn sharp criticism, particularly given the timing as Muslim communities prepare to mark the end of Ramadan.

Starmer: Conservatives only object ‘when Muslims are involved’

Responding in Parliament, Starmer defended the presence of different religious groups in public spaces, pointing to the UK’s tradition of hosting multi-faith events openly.

“The only conclusion is the Tory party has got a problem with Muslims,” he said.

His comments place the issue at the centre of a broader debate about religious expression and inclusion in Britain.

Badenoch defends Timothy

But Badenoch rejected the criticism, backing her colleague and framing his stance as a defence of national values.

“My shadow justice secretary is defending British values,” she said.

Timothy has also pushed back against the backlash, saying his remarks had been subject to “wilful misunderstanding.”

Eid backdrop raises stakes

The controversy comes as Muslims in the UK and around the world prepare for Eid al-Fitr, a major religious celebration marked by communal prayers, charity, and gatherings.

Public prayer events--including those held in prominent spaces like Trafalgar Square--have become increasingly visible, reflecting the country’s religious diversity but also drawing political debate.