Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to dismiss a senior member of her frontbench following remarks about a Muslim prayer gathering in central London.
The intervention came during a heated session of Prime Minister’s Questions, where Starmer criticised shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy over comments he made on social media regarding a large public prayer event held earlier this week.
The exchange followed Badenoch’s criticism of Starmer’s judgement over appointing Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington, referencing his past links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer Criticises ‘Appalling’ Comments On Muslim Prayer Event
Rather than directly addressing Badenoch’s remarks, Starmer read out Timothy’s post in the Commons, in which the Conservative frontbencher described the prayer gathering as “a declaration of domination”.
Starmer told MPs: “He [Timothy] said last night that Muslims praying in public, including the mayor of London, practising his faith, are not welcome. He described it as ‘an act of domination, straight from the Islamist playbook’.
“If he were in my team, he’d be gone.
“It’s utterly appalling. She should denounce his comments and she should sack him.”
The prime minister added that such religious gatherings reflect “the great strength of our diverse city and country”.
Badenoch Defends Frontbencher And Attacks Labour Figures
In response, Badenoch defended her colleague and shifted focus onto Labour, criticising justice secretary David Lammy over proposals relating to jury trials.
“My shadow justice secretary is defending British values. I know who I would rather have sitting on the front bench next to me and it is not him,” she said, gesturing towards Lammy.
Starmer hit back by referencing comments from Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who had criticised Timothy’s remarks.
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“Even Tommy Robinson – I can hardly believe I am saying this – has said today that if the shadow justice secretary had made these hateful comments two years ago, the Conservative Party would have kicked him out,” the prime minister said.
“Tommy Robinson isn’t some sort of moral signpost. He was pointing out how much their party has changed. They’re more inclined to his views. And he’s right about that.
“The fact that he’s sitting there on her front bench shows she’s too weak and has absolutely no judgement.”
Labour Figures Join Criticism Of Timothy’s Social Media Post
The row intensified as Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell also condemned Timothy’s remarks, describing them as an “extreme reaction”.
She said: “What an extreme reaction from a member of the Shadow Cabinet. Across the country today Muslims, Christians, those of faith & of none, have worked, learned, shared & broken fast together. That is real Britain, not the desperate hatred being whipped up here by a leading Tory.”
Starmer reiterated his criticism, accusing Timothy of spreading “poison and division”, and said the situation reflected broader concerns within the Conservative Party.
Too many are too polite to say this.
But mass ritual prayer in public places is an act of domination.
The adhan – which declares there is no god but allah and Muhammad is his messenger – is, when called in a public place, a declaration of domination.
Perform these rituals in… pic.twitter.com/PIfJAgb7Zk
— Nick Timothy MP (@NJ_Timothy) March 17, 2026
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