Adil Ray blasted for 'shameful' remark as ITV GMB star mocks concerns that 'Islam is dominating London'

Thousands took part in the event as they broke their fasts, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan among those who spoke to the crowds during the evening.

However, the event wasn't without its critics. Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy found himself in the news after he branded "mass ritual prayer in public spaces" as an "act of domination."

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch backed her colleague, while Sir Keir Starmer used last week's Prime Minister’s Questions to call for Mr Timothy to be sacked.

The prime minister claimed the comments showed the Tories had a “problem with Muslims."

Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage echoed the concerns raised by Mr Timothy. "I put it to you that what happened in Trafalgar Square this week should act as a wake-up call and a warning to everybody," he said during a speech in Scotland last week.

He added: "We are fair, reasonable, tolerant people, but we will not put up with this and we will, as a party, stand firm for the Judeo-Christian principles upon which our nation was built."

Now, Mr Ray has weighed into the debate, lauding the influence Islam has had on British culture and architecture in centuries gone by. Although his stance also prompted a rather mixed reaction.

The exchange began when Mr Ray took to BlueSky and Instagram to seemingly mock those concerned by the scenes they witnessed at Trafalgar Square last week.

He penned: "If some are still worried about Islam dominating London, please don’t tell them the gothic architecture of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are hugely influenced by Islam.

"Big Ben is inspired by the minaret of the Great Mosque of Aleppo, Syria. And the HoP arches on the Mosque of Cordoba."

Inevitably, many of Mr Ray's followers praised the presenter for hitting back at the concerns raised by the likes of Mr Farage and others, but one BlueSky user took exception to his stance.

They hit back: "I think people are more concerned about the effects of religious fundamentalism - of any origin - trying to have women walk around in cloth bags or have their access to abortion healthcare limited.

"Secular Politics is the only civilised answer. However pretty the architecture might be." (sic)

But Mr Ray was unconvinced. "Not sure that has anything to do with the prayers last week," he fired back.

"As for 'cloth bags'. Many women choose to do so and that is their right. Very similar to Nuns. Many women who cover up feel it’s their right and independence to decide who sees them and their bodies."

In a separate post, he doubled down further: "And as a female friend pointed out to me once, why are girls at school and women at some workplaces forced to wear certain clothing?"

The social media user rubbished Mr Ray's response, however, branding him "shameful" for drawing comparisons between workplace uniforms and other religious ensembles with the wearing of Islamic garments.

"Until the word 'many' becomes the word 'all' in that sentence, you have lost your ethical core and are endorsing misogyny and coercive control via a back door. Shameful," they hit back.

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Mr Ray continued to double down. He asked: "Do you think ‘all or many’ women and girls freely decide on what they should wear to school, some workplaces, in convents, in some family settings?

"Or do you think some may feel forced by rules, faith and society? If so, have you lost your ethical core?"

The social media user explained: "We discussed this... Uniforms have obvious function/purpose. Modesty coercion in clothing (never imposed on men!!) is utterly different.

"You are lying or have zero ethics if you claim not to see that fact. When ALL (not 'many') women choose how they dress then OK." (sic)

But Mr Ray refused to budge, instead he replied by quizzing the social media user: "What’s the purpose of skirt guidelines at some schools? Boys shorts. A Nun’s clothing? Why do hospitality, airlines, some hotels etc encourage dresses or skirts?"

In the end, Mr Ray's retorts proved irksome with the BlueSky user, who concluded: "I pity your brain for your misogynistic determination to engage in these mental gymnastics.

"Uniforms are not about coercion and sexualisation of the wearer, nor intended to reduce anyone’s human rights. Religiously motivated modesty codes ARE." (sic)

This isn't the first time that Mr Ray has found himself in the news recently for his social media remarks.

Earlier this month, Mr Ray came out to publicly back Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain over her claims that her faith played a part in her BBC departure.

He also used his platform to rejoice in the Green Party's recent by-election victory in Gorton and Denton, despite claims of "sectarian voting" from critics.

The GMB star was also a vocal opponent of Sir Jim Ratcliffe following his comments on immigration last month.

Mr Ray branded the Manchester United owner an "embarrassment" for suggesting that Britain had been "colonised" by immigrants.