Nick Timothy brands Muslims praying next to memorial for British soldiers an 'act of domination'

Shadow Secretary of State Nick Timothy has slammed Muslims praying outside the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as an act of dominance.The group was seen praying near the Iraq and Afghanistan memorial next to the MoD. In his post on X, the Conservative MP stated: “Today a group of Muslims prayed next to the Ministry of Defence, facing the Iraq and Afghanistan memorial.“As I have said before, choosing to pray in this way in public is a political act. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say “It is a social statement and, yes, it is an act of domination.“Anybody who understands Islamism understands that the domination of public spaces is part of the modus operandi.“It is done so Islamists can show who is in charge - and to show other Muslims and the wider public that the authorities will bend to their will.“There is quite obviously no need to pray here. The decision to do so is symbolic and pointed.“It is not welcome. We have freedom of religion in this country, which is why there are mosques.“But we are not a Muslim country and this is not welcome. It should be stopped.”Mr Timothy has faced criticism for his views in recent months after he made similar comments after a mass Muslim prayer in Trafalgar Square.The controversy erupted after Mr Timothy branded the Ramadan event, hosted by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, as an act of domination.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSShocking moment French Navy spotted handing life jackets to small boat migrants making their way towards BritainElon Musk issues chilling free speech message over Keir Starmer's social media banArson attacks on Keir Starmer’s London home carried out by Russia-backed puppetsHe stated: Perform these rituals in mosques if you wish. But they are not welcome in our public places and shared institutions.I am not suggesting everybody at Trafalgar Square last night is an Islamist. But the domination of public places is straight from the Islamist playbook.Following his comments a complaint to The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, alleging the shadow minister had made deeply Islamophobic remarks employing a far-right trope.The letter claimed Mr Timothy's conduct breached the House of Commons Code of Conduct and the Seven Principles of Public Life.Mr Timothy responded by accusing Mr Khan of attempting to have him investigated and silenced.Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended her colleague's right to speak freely, declaring: This is a country where we have freedom of religion but we also have freedom of speech and they can coexist.Speaking to GB News in March, she added: For too long, Conservatives were often afraid to scare the horses and were worried about making a fuss, letting things slide when the Labour Party was carrying out these attacks. Not under my leadership.The Government firmly rejected any suggestion of prohibiting open-air prayer gatherings in response to the dispute.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter