Downing Street finally apologises for Diwali debacle

Oh dear. It is more than a week since Steerpike broke the news of Downing Street’s Diwali debacle. Many Hindu attendees at the No. 10 reception were horrified to be served alcohol and meat at the event, which aimed to improve the links between Labour and the British Indian community. When Mr S first Downing Street on this story there was no apology, despite multiple requests for comment.

But now the government line belatedly has changed. Eight days after the story broke, No. 10 has now issued a grovelling statement admitting its error:

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.

Steerpike would love to believe that contrition won out in the corridors of power. But the apology only came after days of furious criticism in the Indian and British press.