Keir Starmer apologises after meat and alcohol served at Downing Street Diwali event

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office,10 Downing Street, has issued an apology following criticism over the organisation of its recent Diwali reception, which sparked concerns among members of the British Indian community. However, they admitted, “We understand the strength of feeling on this issue and so would apologise to the community and assure them it will not happen again.” Concerns raised by British Indian MP The apology came in response to a formal letter by Conservative Party MP Shivani Raja, representing Leicester East, who highlighted the event's failure to align with Hindu customs. “I feel it speaks poorly against the organisation of this year's event – with a disappointing lack of knowledge of the customs and traditions that many British citizens hold dear,” Raja wrote in her letter. Diwali reception background Held on October 29, this year's reception was the first Diwali celebration at Downing Street under the Labour government, elected four months ago.