Diwali event row: British PM's office apologises following Hindu community's objection
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office has issued an apology after some Hindu community members objected to the serving of non-vegetarian foods and alcohol during the recently held Diwali event.
In a statement, first reported by Politico as quoted by BBC, a Downing Street spokesman said "a mistake was made in the organisation of the event".
"We understand the strength of feeling on this issue and so would apologise to the community and assure them it will not happen again," he added.
Several top politicians and British Hindu leaders attended the event.
According to a post on X published by Insight UK: "This year's Diwali celebration at 10 Downing Street, hosted by PM Keir Starmer has sparked significant backlash after reports surfaced that alcohol and meat were served at the event. Without wanting to be named Hindu guests have reportedly expressed their shock and dismay at being served meat and alcohol during a religious celebration."
The Insight UK is a social movement of British Hindus and Indians
During former PM Rishi Sunak's Diwali event last year, meat and alcohol were not on the menu.
Satish K Sharma, a prominent British Hindu pandit, earlier said the food served during the event left him disappointed.
He said no meat and alcohol had been served during Diwali celebrations on Downing Street for the past 14 years.
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