When thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square last week to break their Ramadan fast, we were told this was Britain at its best. The message was that the UK is diverse, tolerant, and confident enough to make space for public expressions of faith. Islamic prayers were performed openly and unapologetically. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, took part, and Labour MPs, including Keir Starmer and Stella Creasy, defended the event vigorously on the grounds of a person’s right to freely express their religion.

The asymmetry could not be starker. Britain tolerates public religion – but only in some forms

The asymmetry could not be starker. Britain tolerates public religion – but only in some forms

But if this acceptance of those with deeply-held religious faith is truly a hallmark of Britain – and if we are indeed a country where people are free to pray openly in public – then it is a principle honoured with remarkable selectivity.

While Muslims are welcomed to pray loudly and openly in large groups in the centre of London, under the “buffer zone” legislation championed in 2024 by MPs, including Stella Creasy, those who pray publicly in the street outside abortion clinics – even if they do........

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