United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office on Friday apologised for “mistake” after outrage over its food menu during Diwali reception last month.
The decision to serve alcohol and meat at a Diwali celebration hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at No 10 sparked controversy within the British Indian community. The annual gathering, which featured traditional elements such as prayers, diya lighting, the Prime Minister’s address and Indian dance performances, was attended by various community leaders, Labour MPs, Labour councillors and armed forces personnel.
The presence of lamb kebabs, fish, alcoholic beverages including beer and wine caused distress among several attendees. When concerned guests raised objections with the catering staff, they were informed that these items were specifically requested. This was in stark contrast to the previous year’s celebration hosted by then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, where neither alcohol nor meat was served, respecting traditional cultural sensitivities.
The spokesperson from Starmer’s office acknowledged the community’s concerns without directly mentioning the menu, assuring that such incidents would not recur.
“The Prime Minister was pleased to welcome a range of communities celebrating Diwali to a reception in Downing Street,” a Downing Street spokesperson said, according to PTI.
“He paid tribute to the huge contribution the British Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities make to our country and how the government is driven by the shared values of hard work, ambition and aspiration. A mistake was made in the organisation of the event,” the spokesperson said.
“We understand the strength of feeling on this issue and so would apologise to the community and assure them it will not happen again,” the spokesperson added.
The statement came a day after Conservative Party MP Shivani Raja sent an official correspondence to Starmer, highlighting that the reception failed to align with Hindu customs.
“I feel it speaks poorly against the organisation of this year’s event – with a disappointing lack of knowledge of the customs and traditions that many British citizens hold dear,” her letter posted on social media read.
“As a practising Hindu representing thousands of Hindus within my own constituency of Leicester East, I have been deeply saddened to hear that this year’s festivities were overshadowed in the greatest Office of State by negativity, as a result of this oversight,” said the first-time Tory member of Parliament elected in July from Leicester.
Raja offered to provide guidance to the Labour Party government for future Hindu celebrations to ensure appropriate observance.
The October 29 Diwali reception marked Labour’s first such event since taking office four months ago. The gathering included British Indian community leaders, professionals and parliamentarians.
The Downing Street reception has been a regular tradition, with Starmer aiming to continue Rishi Sunak’s practice, as Britain’s first Hindu Prime Minister, of lighting Diwali candles at 10 Downing Street.
“We value and respect your heritage and traditions, and recognise the strength of our shared values and the celebration of Diwali – a time of coming together, of abundance, and welcome,” read excerpts released from Starmer’s address at the event.