London:
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office apologized on Friday for an “error” in organizing the Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street, after some British Hindus objected to the serving of non-vegetarian food and alcohol at the gathering.
Although the statement made no direct reference to the menu, a spokesperson for Starmer’s office said the team acknowledged the strong feelings on the issue and assured the community this would not be repeated in the future.
“The Prime Minister was delighted to welcome a range of communities celebrating Diwali at a reception in Downing Street,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.
“He paid tribute to the enormous contribution that Britain’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities make to our country and how the Government is driven by the shared values of hard work, ambition and ambition. An error was made in the organization of the event,” the spokesperson said.
“We understand how strong feelings are on this issue and would therefore like to apologize to the community and reassure them that this will not happen again,” the spokesperson added.
The statement came a day after British Indian Conservative Party MP Shivani Raja sent a formal letter to Starmer expressing concern that the reception was not “in keeping with the customs of many Hindus” .
“I feel this speaks poorly to the organization of this year’s event – with a disappointing lack of knowledge of the customs and traditions that many British citizens hold dear,” her letter on social media reads.
“As a practicing Hindu representing thousands of Hindus in my own constituency of Leicester East, I am deeply saddened to learn that this year’s celebrations in the largest state office have been overshadowed by negativity as a result of this oversight,” the Prime Minister said. -time Tory MP elected from the city of Leicester in July.
The Opposition MP then offered her “help 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 on October 29 marked the first Diwali reception since Labor was elected to government in the general election four months ago. It brought together British Indian community leaders, professionals and parliamentarians. However, community organization Insight UK questioned the “appalling lack of understanding” of the spiritual aspect of the Hindu festival and some others pointed out that more consultation is needed ahead of such religious events after reports emerged that during the gathering meat and alcohol were served. .
The reception has been held regularly at Downing Street over the years and insiders indicated that Starmer was keen to follow in Rishi Sunak’s footsteps as Britain’s first Hindu Prime Minister and light candles on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street to mark the occasion of Diwali.
“We value and respect your heritage and traditions, and recognize the power of our shared values and the celebration of Diwali – a time of gathering, of abundance and welcome,” read excerpts from Starmer’s speech at the event.