Downing Street Apologises for Serving Meat and Alcohol at Diwali Event

Downing Street has issued an apology after meat and alcohol were served at a Diwali celebration held last month, a decision that sparked backlash from some members of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities.

Conservative MP Shivani Raja wrote to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, condemning the oversight as "not in keeping with the customs of many Hindus." She described the incident as a "disappointing lack of knowledge of the customs and traditions that many British citizens hold dear."

A Downing Street spokesperson acknowledged the error, stating that "a mistake was made in the organisation of the event." They added, "We understand the strength of feeling on this issue and sincerely apologise to the community, assuring them it will not happen again."

Diwali, a five-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival holds significant cultural and religious importance, with some adherents abstaining from meat and alcohol as part of their observances. Many Hindus avoid eating beef due to the sacred status of cows, and others choose vegetarianism or avoid meat during the festival. Sikhs and Jains also commonly refrain from consuming alcohol.

Since 2009, Downing Street has hosted Diwali events under various prime ministers, including Rishi Sunak, who became the UK’s first Hindu Prime Minister in 2022. The tradition continues as a celebration of the valuable contributions of British Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities.

The Prime Minister expressed his pleasure in welcoming diverse communities to the Diwali reception and honoured the shared values of hard work, ambition, and aspiration that unite them.

For further updates, follow the latest news on the celebration of Diwali and other events at Downing Street.