Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has called for a ban on all mass religious observances in public, following controversy over a Ramadan event in London's Trafalgar Square. Speaking at his party's Scottish conference, Farage said he backed banning such gatherings, arguing they are an 'attempt to overtake, intimidate and dominate our way of life'.
The Open Iftar event on Monday became a flashpoint after Tory shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy described it as an 'act of domination and division'. Farage echoed these comments, and when asked if his proposed ban includes Jewish or Catholic observances, he said he had 'never seen Jewish services taking place in places of historic Christian worship'. He added that mass prayer is already banned in many Muslim countries.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has taken a different stance, supporting religious observances in public places like Trafalgar Square, but insisting they must be 'inclusive and also respectful of British culture'. She faced calls from Labour and other opposition parties to sack Timothy over his comments.
However, a government minister has confirmed that the Government will not be banning mass religious observances. Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said: 'We have freedom of worship in this country and we have religious diversity in this country - both of which are welcomed.' She highlighted upcoming celebrations for Easter, Diwali, and Hanukkah as examples of inclusive public events.
