'Keep religion private': Why Ramzan event at UK's Trafalgar Square sparked a raging debate

Supporters called it a peaceful expression of faith. (Image credit: Getty Images)

• Public iftar and namaaz at Trafalgar Square sparks debate in UK
• Politicians criticize mass prayer in public spaces
• Supporters call the event a peaceful expression of faith

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As Ramadan, or Ramzan in India, brings communities together across the world, a public iftar and namaaz gathering in London has sparked a raging debate in Britain. Videos showing people offering prayers at Trafalgar Square after iftar went viral, drawing mixed reactions online.

Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most well-known public spaces, often hosts cultural events. However, the sight of a large group offering namaaz in the open has raised questions about the use of public spaces for religious activities.

Politicians react to the event

Reform UK MP Nigel Farage said, “I’ve never seen Jewish services taking place in places of historic Christian worship, or anywhere else."

“We have to get this right. We can’t stop individuals from praying, we wouldn’t want to stop individuals praying, but mass prayer is banned, mass Muslim prayer is banned, in many Muslim countries in the Middle East itself,” he added.

Conservative MP Nick Timothy also criticised the event, saying, "perform these rituals in mosques if you wish. But they are not welcome in our public places and shared institutions.”

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

Nadhim Zahawi, the former Conservative chancellor, who was raised in a Muslim household, said, "The place for God is inside the house of worship. Don’t bring it into politics. Don’t make it into something that is a symbol of defiance.”

Supporters call it "expression of faith"

Supporters of the gathering called it a peaceful expression of faith. They argued that Britain is a multicultural society where people should be free to practise religion openly. Many said such events reflect inclusivity and diversity, especially during Ramadan.

Debate grows online

The issue soon became a trending topic, with users sharing divided opinions. While some focused on religious freedom, others raised concerns about rules, fairness, and the use of public spaces.

As a row between Lord Hermer and Kemi Badenoch breaks out today are you in agreement with conservative MP Nick Timothy. Do you find this outdoor muslim prayer in Trafalgar Square intimidating, and should any such events be banned?? pic.twitter.com/ekJ9ZWwcvb — Patriotic 🇬🇧 Nation (@HoodedClaw1974) March 20, 2026

Muslim population in Britain

According to the 2021 Census, Muslims make up about 6 per cent of the UK population, with nearly 4 million people. This is up from 4.9 per cent or 2.7 million in 2011. In England and Wales, around 6.5 per cent of people identified as Muslim.

Muslims make up just 6% of the population of Britain. Conspiracy theories currently being aired by right wing bigots that they are secretly plotting the Islamic domination of the country are the 21st century Islamophobes' equivalent of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, and… https://t.co/wa5k5ZMeg8

— William Dalrymple (@DalrympleWill) March 20, 2026

About anti-immigration protests

In the backdrop of the debate lies the anti-immigration protests in the country. Anti-immigration riots in the UK in 2024 began after a knife attack in Southport that killed three girls. False rumours online wrongly claimed the attacker was a Muslim migrant, according to Reuters. This misinformation fuelled anger and sparked protests in multiple cities. Some far-right groups were blamed for spreading the claims. The unrest turned violent, with mobs attacking mosques, migrants, and minority-owned shops, clashing with police. Hundreds were arrested as tensions over immigration and Muslim communities grew.