No 10 has apologised after meat and alcohol were served at a Downing Street event to celebrate the festival of Diwali, held last month. In a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Conservative MP Shivani Raja said the decision was "not in keeping with the customs of many Hindus" and displayed a "disappointing lack of knowledge of the customs and traditions that many British citizens hold dear".

Downing Street was forced to apologise to British Hindus after serving meat and alcohol at its annual Diwali celebration. No 10 said there had been a “mistake” in the organisation of the event and reassured the community “it will not happen again”.

The UK government apologised to British Hindus on Friday after meat and alcohol were served at its annual Diwali celebration at Prime Minister Keir Starmer's official Downing Street residence. Although Hinduism does not strictly prohibit the consumption of alcohol and meat, many Hindus are vegetarian and choose not to consume alcoholic drinks.

A spokesperson for Starmer’s office acknowledged the strong feelings on the matter and assured the community that it would not happen again in future.

No 10 apologises after meat and alcohol served at Downing Street Diwali celebration - New Labour prime minister Keir Starmer attended event to mark the festival of lights

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Diwali reception at Downing Street has sparked major controversy after meat and alcohol were served, leading to an apology from his office. British Indian MP Shivani Raja expressed disappointment over the event’s failure to respect Hindu traditions.

No10 sorry for serving meat and alcohol at Diwali celebration - Sir Keir Starmer’s team says sorry after gaffe at annual reception two weeks ago

After a backlash, No10 admitted a 'mistake' had been made in organising the event, pledging 'it will not happen again'.

No10 apologises after meat and alcohol served at Diwali event - Number 10 said a ‘mistake’ had been made in the organisation of the event and sought to assure the community ‘it will not happen again’.

Keir Starmer's office has issued an apology following criticism from some British Hindus who took issue with the inclusion of non-vegetarian food and alcohol at a Diwali reception held at 10 Downing Street.