Downing Street apologises after meat and alcohol served at Diwali celebration

15 November 2024, 12:50 | Updated: 15 November 2024, 16:12

Downing Street has apologised after meat and alcohol were served at its annual Diwali celebration.

The government said a "mistake" was made when the celebration was organised.

Hinduism does not have a clear prohibition on consuming meat and alcohol, but many Hindus choose not to drink or are vegetarian - especially during religious festivals.

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Conservative MP Shivani Raja was among those to complain, saying she was "greatly concerned" when she heard about what had happened.

There have also been articles critical of the event published in the India media.

A Number 10 spokesperson said: "The prime minister was pleased to welcome a range of communities celebrating Diwali to a reception in Downing Street.

"He paid tribute to the huge contribution the British Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities make to our country and how the government is driven by the shared values of hard work, ambition and aspiration.

"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."

Diwali celebrations have been held in Downing Street since 2009, and gained further prominence under Rishi Sunak, the UK's first Hindu prime minister.

In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, Ms Raja said: "I feel this 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.

"As a practising Hindu, representing thousands of Hindus within my own constituency of Leicester East, I have been deeply saddened to hear that this year's festivities were overshadowed in the greatest Office of State by negativity, as a result of this oversight."

She later thanked Downing Street for apologising.

(c) Sky News 2024: Downing Street apologises after meat and alcohol served at Diwali celebration