The furore over Muslim prayer in Trafalgar Square continues to dominate public debate, with right-wing and far-right voices amplifying what’s been described as anti-Muslim ‘dog-whistle’ rhetoric.”

The controversy follows a wave of right-wing online backlash against the annual iftar event, with shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy drawing particular criticism after describing it as “a declaration of domination” in a post on X.

Timothy, who resigned as an adviser to Theresa May following the Conservatives’ subpar performance in the 2017 general election, said: “Too many are too polite to say this,” adding that the use of public space for Muslim prayer was “straight from the Islamist playbook”.

The iftar was attended by around 3,000 people of all faiths and non alongside London mayor Sadiq Khan.

The event has taken place annually since 2019, but the scale of the current backlash has led many to argue that the “Overton window” has shifted.

Far-right figure Tommy Robinson echoed that point.

“I want to congratulate every patriot…in shifting the Overton window so far, so much, that a Conservative member of parliament now feels comfortable to state these facts,” said Robinson. 

Journalist Lewis Goodall said the comments should be viewed “in light of a wider radicalisation on the right of British politics.”

“I think Tommy Robinson is right… two or three years ago, you probably wouldn’t have the shadow justice secretary saying something like this. Basically saying that ‘It’s okay to be Muslim in this country as long as you’re quiet about it and we don’t see you,’” said Goodall.

Political backlash

Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised the comments during Prime Minister’s Questions, warning of a growing overlap between mainstream Conservative rhetoric and far-right narratives.

“Tommy Robinson isn’t some sort of moral signpost,” Starmer said. “He was pointing out how much their party has changed. They’re more inclined to his views. And he’s right about that. “

He also accused the party of having a “problem with Muslims,” noting that similar gatherings by other faith groups in Trafalgar Square have not drawn the same level of criticism.

“I have never heard her party call out anything other than the Muslim events,” he said. “The only conclusion is that the Tories have a problem with Muslims.”

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said on X: “This racist post – praised by Tommy Robinson – tells you all you need to know about the state of today’s Tory Party.”

Not to miss out on the opportunity to jump on the bandwagon,

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also weighed in, claiming that London Mayor Sadiq Khan had “headed up” a group “attempting dominance over our capital city and our culture.”

Following the backlash from his comments, Timothy stood by his remarks. “I will not be silenced,” he said. “Labour are only demonstrating that they cannot see right from wrong. They will not stand up for our way of life. But we will.”

Wider concerns over rhetoric

Muslim politicians and commentators voiced concern, pointing out that Timothy’s remarks contradict the very British values he claims to uphold.

In a cross-party letter, MPs openly condemned Timothy, stating that his remarks were “inimical to the fundamental British values of mutual tolerance and respect for those practising their faith peacefully.”

It added. “He has pedalled the very prejudices that are causing more and more British citizens to be abused, violated, and assaulted on our streets every day.”

Broadcaster Ali Milani said, “When you talk about British values, tolerance is a British value, respect for each other is a British value.” 

Former Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf called the comments a “rabid anti-Muslim dog whistle”, while former Conservative chair Sayeeda Warsi said they appeared to single out Muslims unfairly.

MP Adnan Hussain highlighted the double standards, while MP Naz Shah struck a more ominous tone, asking: “Where are we heading?”

The event was organised by the Ramadan Tent Project, a charity that organises annual iftars at landmarks and cultural institutions around the country.

Recently, Islam Channel spoke to the founder and chief executive, Omar Salha, who acknowledged the rise of intolerance of these events in recent years. “Despite the challenges and increases in hate crimes, it’s important that we don’t give in to hate, but we turn to hope,” he said. 

Accusations of double standards

Here is a selection of social media reactions to the remarks.

Journalist Marina Purkiss points out how similar remarks about the Jewish community would be received.

The Bishop of Kirkstall rejected the framing of public religious gatherings as threatening, noting that communities of different faiths have long gathered openly without issue.

Others pointed to the historical irony of Trafalgar Square itself and its Arabic origins; the name’s derived from Taraf al-Ghar, which means ‘cape of the cave.’

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak publicly celebrated Diwali at Downing Street without attracting comparable criticism.

Meanwhile, The Labour Muslim Network accused Timothy of having an “unhealthy obsession” with Muslims.

Image: The picture is from the Iftar event in 2024