‘Act of domination’: Row erupts after UK MP Nick Timothy’s remarks on Open Iftar gathering at Trafalgar Square

A political row has erupted in the UK after Conservative MP Nick Timothy criticised a public iftar gathering in London’s Trafalgar Square, calling it an “act of domination” in a post on X.

Timothy shared a video of people offering prayers during the “Open Iftar” event and wrote that “mass ritual prayer in public places is an act of domination.” He also described the public call to prayer as a “declaration of domination,” adding that such events “shouldn’t happen again.”While he clarified he was not labelling attendees as extremists, his remarks sparked strong reactions.

MPs push back, call remarks divisive

Independent MP Adnan Hussain sharply criticised Timothy, saying public spaces like Trafalgar Square have long hosted gatherings of different faiths.

In a post, Hussain wrote: “Nick, this is disgraceful. Do you object when Sikhs, Hindus or Jews gather in Trafalgar Square? Or is it only Muslims you smear with talk of ‘domination’? They were invited, like all faiths. Your rhetoric is inflammatory, divisive, and beneath any serious public office.”

Senior Labour leaders also condemned the remarks. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy accused Timothy of “fanning the flames of division,” while Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell called his reaction “extreme.”

Not just Timothy, Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin also criticised the event, visiting Trafalgar Square and describing it as a “domineering show of religious authority” that “should not be tolerated.”

What Sadiq Khan said

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who attended the gathering, highlighted unity and participation across communities. He said the event reflected London’s diversity, noting the presence of people from multiple faiths and backgrounds.

He also announced that the city will host the “biggest Iftar in the Western world.”

About the Open Iftar event

The event was organised by the Ramadan Tent Project, which hosts public iftars at major landmarks. The initiative aims to bring together people of all faiths and backgrounds, including those seeking community or support, during the holy month of Ramadan.Held at Trafalgar Square, the gathering drew a large, diverse crowd, with organisers showing inclusivity and shared participation.