Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office issued a formal apology on Friday following backlash from parts of the British Hindu community over the organisation of its Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street. The event, held on October 29, faced criticism due to the inclusion of non-vegetarian food and alcohol, which many Hindus felt did not align with their religious customs.
Although the official statement from Starmer’s office did not directly address the menu, a spokesperson acknowledged the concerns raised and assured that similar issues would be avoided in future celebrations. “We understand the strength of feeling on this issue and assure the community it will not happen again,” the spokesperson said.
The apology came a day after British Indian Conservative MP Shivani Raja, representing Leicester East, wrote a letter to Starmer expressing her disappointment with the event’s organisation. As a practising Hindu, Raja stated she was “deeply saddened” by the lack of cultural awareness surrounding the event, noting it was not in line with Hindu traditions. She also offered to provide guidance to help ensure future events are more respectful of religious practices.
Raja’s concerns were echoed by groups such as Insight UK, which criticised the event for what they described as an “appalling lack of understanding” of the spiritual significance of Diwali. The incident sparked wider calls for better consultation with faith communities when organising religious events at the highest levels of government.
Despite the controversy, the event still featured a symbolic moment of Diwali celebration, with Starmer lighting candles on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, a gesture that mirrored the actions of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during his tenure as the UK’s first Hindu Prime Minister.
In his speech, Starmer highlighted the shared values of unity and inclusivity, acknowledging the contributions of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities to British society. He also stressed that Diwali is a time of celebration, symbolising abundance, joy, and the spirit of togetherness.
This year’s reception was the first Diwali celebration held at Downing Street since the Labour government took office, marking a significant moment for British Indian communities. However, the controversy surrounding the event underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity when hosting religious observances at state functions.
