Downing Street Apologises for Non-Veg Menu 'Mistake' at UK PM’s Diwali Reception

London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office on Friday apologised for a “mistake” in organisation of its Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street after some British Hindus objected to non-vegetarian food and alcohol being served at garing.

Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street

While statement did not make a direct reference to menu, a spokesperson for Starmer’s office said team acknowledged strength of feeling on issue and assured community that it would not be repeated in future.

“ 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 huge contribution British Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities make to our country and how government is driven by shared values of hard work, ambition and aspiration. A mistake was me in organisation of event," spokesperson said.

"We understand strength of feeling on this issue and so would apologise to community and assure m it will not happen again,” spokesperson ded.

statement came a day after British Indian Conservative Party MP Shivani Raja issued a formal letter to Starmer expressing concerns over reception not being “in keeping with customs of many Hindus”.

“I feel it speaks poorly against organisation of this year's event – with a disappointing lack of knowledge of customs and tritions that many British citizens hold dear,” res 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 sdened to hear that this year’s festivities were overshowed in greatest Office of State by negativity, as a result of this oversight,” said first-time Tory member of Parliament elected in July from city of Leicester.

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

UK PM Keir Starmer h earlier shared a social media post along with a beautiful picture wishing Happy Diwali to everyone.

Downing Street event held on October 29 marked first Diwali reception since Labour was elected to government in general election four months ago. It brought toger British Indian community leers, professionals and parliamentarians. However, community organisation Insight UK questioned “appalling lack of understanding” of spiritual aspect of Hindu festival and a few ors pointed out that greater consultation is required ahe of such religious events after reports emerged of meat and alcohol being served at garing.

reception has been held regularly over years at Downing Street and insiders indicated Starmer was keen to follow in footsteps of Rishi Sunak as first British Hindu Prime Minister of Britain and light candles on doorstep of 10 Downing Street to mark Diwali.

“We value and respect your heritage and tritions, and recognise strength of our shared values and celebration of Diwali – a time of coming toger, of abundance, and welcome,” re excerpts released from Starmer's dress at event.

With PTI Inputs