Divisions within the Conservative Party deepened on Sunday over criticism of an Islamic public prayer event held in Trafalgar Square, with senior figures offering conflicting views on whether the gathering constituted an act of domination. James Cleverly, the shadow communities secretary, publicly disagreed with Conservative frontbencher Nick Timothy’s assessment of the event as “straight from the Islamist playbook,” while Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative chair, has defended Timothy’s remarks.
The dispute centers on the “Open Iftar,” one of 18 public events held during Ramadan where members of the public could break their swift. Timothy sparked controversy by posting images of the event on Monday, alleging it represented “an act of domination.” His comments drew condemnation, including a call from Labour leader Keir Starmer for Badenoch to remove him from his position as shadow justice secretary.
Cleverly, speaking on BBC1’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, acknowledged Timothy was right to initiate a discussion about the event. Yet, he distanced himself from the claim that the prayer itself was an act of domination. “So, that wouldn’t be my personal take,” Cleverly stated. He echoed arguments made by Badenoch and others regarding gender segregation at the event, suggesting this aspect was at odds with British norms. He claimed the entire event was segregated, though reports indicate only the prayer portion featured separate areas for men, and women.
Emma Best, the Conservative party’s deputy leader on the London assembly, offered the most direct challenge to Timothy’s position within the party. Best asserted that prayer is “a fundamental right of every UK citizen” and suggested those who object should “walk on.” Speaking on the BBC’s London Politics show, she disputed the characterization of the event, stating that the prayer was only a small component of a larger celebration. “There were thousands and thousands and thousands of people there,” Best said. “Many people chose not to pray… and that wasn’t what the event was about.”
Best also expressed concern about the implications of criticizing public prayer. “I don’t want to live in a secular society,” she said. “I want to live in a society where everybody in my family, my friends, my children, are free to practice whatever religion they want.”
The disagreement comes as the Conservative party prepares for local elections in May. According to the Guardian, Badenoch’s critics within the party are counting down to the elections, suggesting the controversy could further strain party unity. The Daily Express reported that Labour has been warned against adopting a definition of Islamophobia that could be seen as divisive.
