Farage’s remarks on banning mass religious gatherings at historic sites trigger a political and cultural backlash across the UK. Critics accuse him of singling out Muslims and deepening divisions over public expressions of faith…reports London Daily News Desk
Hard-right British politician Nigel Farage has ignited a fresh political storm after suggesting he would ban mass religious gatherings at historic public sites if he became prime minister, with critics accusing him of disproportionately targeting Muslims and fuelling divisive rhetoric.
Farage, leader of Reform UK, made the remarks in response to a Ramadan open iftar event held at Trafalgar Square. The central London landmark recently hosted hundreds of people for communal prayers and breaking of the fast during the Islamic holy month.
Describing the event as “an attempt to overtake, intimidate and dominate our way of life,” Farage argued that such gatherings should not be permitted in what he called “historic British sites.” Speaking during a visit to Scotland, he said he would support a blanket ban on “mass demonstrations” in such locations.
However, his comments drew immediate scrutiny when he appeared to single out Muslims. While initially stating that all mass religious observances could be restricted, he later emphasised that “mass Muslim prayer” should be banned, claiming similar restrictions exist in parts of the Middle East.
Pressed on whether his proposal would apply equally to other faiths, Farage suggested he had not seen comparable public displays by Jewish or Christian groups in similar contexts. Critics quickly challenged this assertion, pointing to Britain’s long tradition of public religious expression across communities.
Trafalgar Square itself has hosted a wide range of faith-based events over the years, including large Christian gatherings such as Good Friday performances of the Passion of Jesus, as well as Diwali celebrations attended by tens of thousands. Public marches, including the long-running “March for Jesus,” have also drawn large crowds in cities across the UK.
Opponents argue that framing Muslim prayer as uniquely provocative or threatening risks deepening social divisions and misrepresenting the country’s multicultural fabric. Many have also stressed that freedom of religion, including public worship, is protected under British law.
The controversy has been amplified by similar remarks from Nick Timothy, a justice spokesperson for the Conservative Party, who wrote on social media that “mass ritual prayer in public places is an act of domination” and should not be welcomed in shared civic spaces.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the comments and urged Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to dismiss Timothy, arguing that such language undermines social cohesion. London Mayor Sadiq Khan also criticised the remarks, calling them a “disgrace” and accusing critics of amplifying divisive narratives.
Badenoch, however, defended Timothy, saying the debate was not about religious freedom but about how faith is expressed in public spaces and whether such expressions align with what she described as “the norms of British culture.”
Labour Party chair Anna Turley further escalated the row, accusing the Conservatives of legitimising views associated with far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
The dispute underscores the growing prominence of culture war issues in British politics, with debates over identity, integration and public space increasingly shaping political discourse. Farage’s Reform UK party has, in recent months, performed strongly in opinion polls, reflecting a shifting electoral landscape.
As political leaders trade accusations, the controversy highlights the challenge of balancing freedom of expression with concerns about social cohesion in an increasingly diverse Britain.
