Full Breakdown
Birmingham Reform Councillors Demand English-Only Rule After Islamic Prayer at Mayor-Making
5/26/2026, 11:12:57 AM
English-Only Call Sparks Council Controversy
On 19 May, Birmingham City Council’s mayor-making ceremony featured a brief 30-second Qur’an verse recited in Arabic by Imam Mohammed Abdali, followed by an English translation. The ceremony installed Lord Mayor Zaker Choudhry, a Muslim, as the city’s new civic head. Within days, the Reform UK group of 23 councillors sent a letter to the Lord Mayor urging that “all readings and proceedings should be in English,” arguing that council meetings must remain “inclusive and accessible to all residents regardless of religion or culture.”
Background: Multifaith Traditions at Birmingham City Council
Birmingham’s council has a long-standing practice of inviting prayers and reflections from a range of faith traditions during official meetings. The policy is presented as a reflection of the city’s status as England’s second-largest and most diverse urban centre, where multiple religions have historically been accommodated in civic space.
Key Figures and Groups
- Lord Mayor Zaker Choudhry – newly appointed civic leader, Muslim.
- Imam Mohammed Abdali – invited to deliver the Qur’an verse.
- Councillor Jex Parkin – Kingstanding representative, leader of the Reform UK group.
- Reform UK councillors – 23 members demanding English-only proceedings.
- Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson) – far-right activist who posted a clip of the prayer on X.
- Outgoing Labour administration – currently without a council leader, engaged in coalition talks.
Timeline of May 19 Events and Reactions
- 19 May – Imam Abdali recites Qur’an verse; English explanation provided.
- 20 May – Reform UK councillors submit letter demanding English-only rule.
- 21 May onward – Public statements issued; Tommy Robinson shares video clip without translation; council leaders discuss coalition options.
- Ongoing – Reform UK and Labour state they will not join a coalition with other groups.
Official Statements & Responses
Reform UK’s letter described Birmingham as “a diverse city made up of many different faiths and backgrounds” but asserted that “official council meetings should remain inclusive and accessible to all residents regardless of religion or culture,” and that “all readings and proceedings should be in English.” The council’s spokesperson reiterated that extending courtesy to minority faiths “is representative of the modern Birmingham we proudly serve.” The Lord Mayor’s office emphasized that the Imam’s verse was intended to promote harmony and to stand against extremism.
Criticism & Opposition
Opponents labelled the English-only demand “nonsense” and “deliberately divisive,” warning that it could send a “deeply unfortunate message” to communities that have contributed to Birmingham’s social, cultural and economic fabric for generations. Several council members argued that diversity is a core strength rather than a political liability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We will always advocate for this, on behalf of the residents that elected us to promote and protect the language, culture and values of the United Kingdom.” — Jex Parkin, Kingstanding Councillor, Reform UK
- “Birmingham’s diversity is our strength, not something to be feared or politicised.” — Council spokesperson
- “He then explained in English how it was a verse that reminded everyone of how we should 'live together in harmony and cooperation, in a spirit of goodness and righteousness'.” — Imam Mohammed Abdali
Why It Matters
The dispute highlights a broader national debate over language policy in public institutions and the balance between multicultural accommodation and perceived cohesion. It also influences intra-council power dynamics, as Reform UK’s stance may shape procedural reforms and affect coalition formation.
What’s Next
Council leaders are negotiating a coalition while Reform UK pushes for a formal motion on English-only proceedings. Monitoring of public reaction and potential legal challenges will likely shape the council’s procedural rules in the coming months.
