UK PM Starmer’s office issues apology after backlash over non-veg food, alcohol at Diwali reception

Keir Starmer

The office of Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologised for a “mistake” in the organisation of its Diwali reception held at 10 Downing Street. Some members of the British Hindu community had objected to non-vegetarian food and alcohol being served at the event, which is a cultural and religious celebration.

While the statement did not directly address the menu, a spokesperson for Starmer's office said the team acknowledged the concerns raised by some in the British Hindu community and assured that such a thing would not be repeated in the future, PTI reported.

“The Prime Minister was pleased to welcome a range of communities celebrating Diwali to a reception in Downing Street,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.

“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 apology came a day after British Indian Conservative MP Shivani Raja issued a formal letter to Starmer expressing concerns over the reception. She noted that the event was not aligned with the customs observed by many Hindus.

“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,” reads her letter posted on social media.

“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 the city of Leicester.

The Opposition MP went on to offer her “assistance and guidance” to the Labour Party government for all future Hindu celebrations to ensure they are celebrated in a “respectful manner”.

The Diwali reception held at 10 Downing Street on October 29 was the first such event hosted by the new Labour government, which came to power in the general election four months prior. The gathering brought together British Indian community leaders, professionals, and parliamentarians.

However, the event drew criticism from some Hindu organisations and individuals. Community group Insight UK questioned the "appalling lack of understanding" of the spiritual aspects of the Hindu festival of Diwali. Other observers pointed out that greater consultation with the Hindu community would be required ahead of such religious events, after reports emerged that non-vegetarian food and alcohol had been served at the gathering.