The use of Islamophobia as a political tool is a complex and deeply concerning issue. It often surfaces as “wedge politics”—a strategy where politicians highlight or inflame specific social divisions to consolidate their own voter base or to put their opponents on the defensive.

In recent years, particularly in the UK and Europe, this has shifted from overt prejudice to more subtle “dog-whistle” tactics. When Islamophobic rhetoric increases in Parliament, there is often a measurable spike in:

Hate Crimes: In 2025, approximately 45% of all religious hate crimes in England and Wales were targeted at Muslims.

Social Isolation: Rhetoric that treats Muslims as a “suspect community” leads to lower civic engagement by British Muslims and a feeling of being “perpetual outsiders” despite being born and raised in the UK.

Gendered Islamophobia: Muslim women are disproportionately targeted, often facing physical harassment in public spaces due to their visibility (e.g. wearing a hijab). The line between legitimate criticism, which is protected as free speech and unlawful or socially unacceptable hatred is not a single, clear line. Instead, it’s defined by a combination of intent, likely effect, and the specific legal framework of a country.

While the principle of freedom of speech is broad, most democratic societies recognise that it has limits. Speech crosses the line into hatred when it moves from expressing an opinion about ideas to targeting a group of people for harm, dehumanisation and building false narratives against Muslims.

Now as Muslims we should never be afraid of “good faith” criticisms of Islam and invite people for debate but what we cannot tolerate is the constant use of dog whistle politics to gain popularity and its extremely important we work together to weed out politicians who continue to use this tactic. We must ALL come together and take collective action, because this is simply tyranny!

How You Can Take Action:

1. Contact The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards (currently Daniel Greenberg CB) standardscommissioner@parliament.uk

2. Use the email template below

Template

Dear Commissioner,

I am writing to formally complain about the conduct of Nick Timothy MP regarding his public statements made on 16th March 2026, concerning the “Open Iftar” event in Trafalgar Square.

In his communications, Mr. Timothy described a peaceful act of mass ritual prayer as an “act of domination” and stated that such practices are “not welcome in our public places.” He further characterised the Adhan (Muslim call to prayer) as a “declaration of domination.” I am submitting this as evidence of a documented, persistent pattern of anti-Muslim hostility that breaches the Parliamentary Code of Conduct (specifically the clauses on Respect and Upholding the Reputation of the House).

2017–2019 As a senior adviser to Theresa May, he was reportedly involved in shaping the controversial “hostile environment” immigration policy and was accused by critics of fostering rhetoric that disproportionately targeted minority communities, though direct links to Islamophobia specifically are debated.
2024 During the Conservative leadership contest, he wrote articles and gave interviews arguing that multiculturalism had “failed” and that the UK needed to be “more assertive” about British values, language that some interpreted as targeting Muslim communities. 
2024–2025 He repeatedly criticised Labour MPs over Gaza, accusing them of being part of a “sectarian” politics, a term his opponents argue is used to delegitimise Muslim political participation.

I believe these comments violate the Parliamentary Code of Conduct for the following reasons:

Breach of “Respect”: By framing a standard religious practice—conducted legally and with the participation of the Mayor of London—as an “act of domination” and “intimidation”, Mr. Timothy is engaging in the prejudicial stereotyping of a religious minority.

Anti-Muslim Hostility: Under the government’s new definition of Anti-Muslim Hostility (adopted 10th March 2026), treating Muslims as a “collective group defined by fixed and negative characteristics with the intention of encouraging hatred” is a clear marker of hostility. Mr. Timothy’s suggestion that Muslim prayer is an “Islamist” power play fits this criteria.

Discrimination: Mr. Timothy has not raised similar objections to other public religious displays in Trafalgar Square (such as Hanukkah, Diwali or Christmas carols), suggesting his hostility is targeted specifically at the Muslim community. Furthermore, I wish to draw your attention to a clear pattern of behaviour over the last several years. Mr. Timothy has consistently used his platform in The Telegraph and in Parliament to frame the Muslim community as a “suspect” group. From his 2025 campaign against “Islamic blasphemy laws” to his repeated questioning of mainstream Muslim organisations, he has built a consistent world-view where Islamic visibility is framed as an “act of domination.” This history demonstrates that his recent remarks are not a one-off error of judgment, but a calculated effort to foster a hostile environment for British Muslims.”

Yours sincerely

(Your Name)

Send your MP’s response to : info@mpacuk.org