Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office on Friday apologized for a “mistake” in organizing his Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street after some British Hindus objected to non-vegetarian food and alcohol being served at the gathering.
Although the statement did not make direct reference to the menu, a spokesperson for Starmer’s office said the team acknowledged the strength of feelings on the issue and assured the community that it would not be repeated in the future.
A Downing Street spokesperson said, “The Prime Minister was pleased to welcome the diverse communities celebrating Diwali at a reception in Downing Street.”
“He paid tribute to the enormous contribution of the British Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities to our country and highlighted how the Government is driven by shared values ​​of hard work, ambition and aspiration. “There was a mistake in organizing the event,” the spokesperson said.
“We understand the strength of emotions on this issue and will therefore apologize to the community and assure them that this will not happen again,” the spokesperson said.
The statement came a day after British Indian Conservative Party MP Shivani Raja issued a formal letter to Starmer in which she expressed concern that the welcome ceremony was not “in keeping with the customs of many Hindus”.
His letter, posted on social media, read: “I think it speaks poorly against this year’s event – ​​the disappointing lack of knowledge of the customs and traditions that many British citizens hold dear.”
“As a Hindu representing thousands of Hindus in my constituency of Leicester East, I am deeply saddened to hear that as a result of this oversight, this year’s celebrations in the highest office of the State have been overshadowed by negativity, ” said the first. -Elected Tory Member of Parliament once from the city of Leicester in July.
The opposition MP offered his “assistance and guidance” to the Labor Party government for all future Hindu celebrations to ensure they are celebrated in a “respectful manner”.
The Downing Street event held on 29 October was the first Diwali reception since the Labor Party was elected to government in the general election four months earlier. It brought together leaders, professionals and parliamentarians from the British Indian community. However, community organization Insight UK questioned the “appalling lack of understanding” of the spiritual aspect of the Hindu festival and others called for more consultation before such religious events after reports of meat and alcohol being served at gatherings. Needed. ,
This reception has been held regularly at Downing Street for years and insiders indicated that Starmer was planning to follow in Rishi Sunak’s footsteps as Britain’s first British Hindu Prime Minister and open the doors of 10 Downing Street in celebration of Diwali. But wanted to light candles.
Excerpts from Starmer’s address at the event read, “We value and respect your heritage and traditions, and recognize our shared values ​​and the strength of the celebration of Diwali – of coming together, of abundance and welcome. time.”
