The leading British politician in current opinion polls, Nigel Farage, has stated that if he becomes Prime Minister, he will ban mass Muslim prayers at historic British sites.

The anti-immigration politician referred to a Ramadan event held in Trafalgar Square, London, as an „attempt to dominate, intimidate, and control our way of life.”

The open iftar, the traditional evening meal that breaks the Ramadan fast, has been a subject of political debate in recent days after Keir Starmer, the Labour Party’s Prime Ministerial candidate, criticized a Conservative MP for opposing the event.

„We must stop this kind of mass, provocative demonstration at historic British sites, because that is exactly what it is,” Farage said.

During a visit to Scotland, the politician was asked if he would support a ban on all mass religious ceremonies. Farage, leader of Reform UK, answered „yes.”

When pressed on whether this would include Jewish or Catholic ceremonies, he added, „I have never seen Jewish worship at historic Christian places of prayer or anywhere else.”

„Let’s be clear: we cannot ban individuals from praying, nor do we want to, but mass prayers are prohibited; mass Muslim prayers are banned in many Muslim countries in the Middle East,” he stated.

Trafalgar Square is one of London’s most famous public spaces, home to landmarks and monuments such as Nelson’s Column, and frequently hosts events ranging from rallies and protests to cultural celebrations and film shoots.

The debate erupted when Conservative justice spokesperson Nick Timothy wrote on X: „Mass ritual prayer in public spaces is a manifestation of dominance.”

„If they want, they can perform such rituals in mosques. But we do not welcome them in public spaces and public institutions,” he added.

Starmer has called on the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, to dismiss Timothy over his comments, which were also supported by Tommy Robinson.

Badenoch stated that Tories would like to see religious ceremonies in public spaces, but they must be „inclusive and respectful of British culture.”

Sadiq Khan, the Muslim Mayor of London who participated in the prayers, labeled Timothy’s remarks as a „shame” for the Conservative Party. The so-called culture wars have increasingly become part of the British political discourse in recent years. The Reform Party has been leading national opinion polls for over a year. The next elections in the United Kingdom are scheduled for 2029, as noted by Brussels Signal.