POLL OF THE DAY: Do you agree with Katharine Birbalsingh - should schools ban prayer?

Katharine Birbalsingh speaks to GB News
GB News
Emily Fox

By Emily Fox


Published: 24/01/2024

- 08:04

Updated: 25/01/2024

- 07:12

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Britain has been captivated by a furious debate after Britain's strictest headteacher opened up on the horrific abuse her staff have received since a prayer ban was introduced at the school.

Katharine Birbalsingh, Head of Michaela Community School in north west London, was speaking amid a court battle over her policy.


A student, who cannot be named, and her mother launched a high court challenge that alleges that the no prayer policy introduced by the school in Wembley is discriminatory.

The school has been subjected to repeated threats since the action was taken, and even received a "bomb hoax" in December.

In an exclusive poll of GB News members, some 94 per cent of members believe that Birbalsingh was right to ban prayer. Just five per cent said no, while less than one per cent said "don't know".

The school has previously said allowing prayers risks "undermining inclusion and social cohesion between pupils."

In legal papers, it claimed that students seeking to carry out prayer rituals in the playground had challenged the school’s "unique ethos, practices and policies."

It has been reported that the policy led to a campaign of harassment and abuse against staff members.

Judgement in the High Court case is expected next month.

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