Trump’s Claims About Shariah Courts in the U.K.

In March 2026, during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, U.S. President Donald Trump made controversial claims regarding the existence of Shariah courts in the United Kingdom. He stated, "You have Shariah courts adjudicating law," while criticizing London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Trump's assertion has been widely circulated on social media, but it has been rated as false by fact-checkers.

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Shariah councils do exist in the U.K., but they do not function as courts of law. According to a 2019 research briefing from the House of Commons, these councils primarily serve as advisory bodies, mainly mediating religious divorces and providing guidance on issues like Sharia-compliant finance and halal food. The councils have no official legal authority, and their decisions are not legally binding. Estimates of the number of Shariah councils operating in the U.K. vary between 30 and 85, but government officials have consistently denied that they hold any power over U.K. law.

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In response to Trump's remarks, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the claims as "ridiculous nonsense" and defended Mayor Khan, asserting that he is effectively addressing crime in London. Starmer emphasized that the U.K. operates under a single legal framework applicable to all citizens, regardless of their background. Chris Grayling, a former Secretary of State for Justice, reiterated this point in 2016, stating, "We have one law of the land which applies to every single citizen of this country."

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Critics have pointed out that Trump's repeated accusations about Shariah law in the U.K. reflect a misunderstanding of the legal system. Sadiq Khan's office responded to Trump's March 2026 comments by suggesting that Trump is "obsessed" with the mayor, indicating that such claims are unfounded and politically motivated. The emphasis on Shariah courts has been characterized as a tactic to undermine Khan's leadership.

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While Trump's claims have been debunked, the exact number of Shariah councils and their influence remains somewhat ambiguous, with varying estimates and a lack of comprehensive data. The distinction between "council" and "court" is often blurred in public discourse, leading to confusion about their roles.

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• “You have Shariah courts adjudicating law.” — Donald Trump, U.S. President

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• “ridiculous nonsense,” — Keir Starmer, U.K. Prime Minister

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• “A spokesperson for Khan responded to Trump's March 2026 remark, saying: "The Mayor is clearly still living rent free in Donald's Trump's head.” — Sadiq Khan's spokesperson

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In summary, Trump's assertions regarding Shariah courts in the U.K. have been thoroughly discredited, highlighting the importance of accurate information in public discourse.

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