Prime Minister Keir Stammer’s office apologized on Friday for an “error” in organizing its Diwali reception in 10 Downing Street, amid criticism over the serving of non-vegetarian food and alcohol.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office apologized on Friday for a “mistake” in organizing the event at 10 Downing Street. This followed criticism by some British Hindus over the serving of non-vegetarian food and alcohol at the Diwali reception.
While the official statement did not address the menu, a spokesperson from Starmer’s office was quoted by news agency PTI as saying that he was very aware of the hurt and offense caused to some in the community and that it would not happen again at any future celebrations.
The statement came a day after British Indian Conservative MP Shivani Raja formally wrote to Starmer to express her concerns that the event had not been in accordance with customs observed by many Hindus. She attacked the event’s organization for its “lack of knowledge” of Hindu traditions and expressed disappointment over the oversight.
It is a matter of great sadness to hear that this year’s festivities were overshadowed in the most outstanding Office of State by negativity due to this oversight,” said the first-time Tory member of Parliament elected in July from Leicester.
This year’s Diwali reception on October 29 marked the first to be held under the Labour government since their recent victory at the polls.
The event—organized to bring together British Indian community leaders, professionals, and MPs—was criticized by groups like Insight UK for exemplifying an “appalling lack of understanding” of the spiritual essence of the Hindu festival. There were also calls for more excellent consultation in organizing events related to religions so that cultural faux pas could be avoided.
And despite all that outrage, there he was, lighting candles on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street in homage to Rishi Sunak’s stint as Britain’s first Hindu PM.
