Reform leader Nigel Farage has called for a ban on all mass religious observances in public spaces following controversy over an Open Iftar event held in London’s Trafalgar Square. Speaking at his party’s conference in Scotland, he described the Ramadan gathering as an 'attempt to overtake, intimidate and dominate our way of life' and confirmed that he supports prohibiting all large-scale religious prayer events in public locations.

Farage argued that while individuals should be free to pray, mass religious demonstrations at historic British sites should be stopped. He said such events are provocative and insisted his party would defend what he called the Judeo Christian principles on which the nation was built.

The debate has drawn in senior Conservative figures. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch defended her shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy after he described public Muslim prayer as an 'act of domination and division'. Badenoch said her party supports freedom of religion but believes public expressions of faith must be inclusive and respectful of British culture.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticised the Conservatives, accusing them of singling out Muslim events and calling for Timothy to be dismissed. Similar large religious gatherings, including Jewish and Christian celebrations, have long taken place in central London without comparable political backlash.