With a warm greeting of “Eid Mubarak!”, Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed leaders from across the British Muslim community to a vibrant Eid reception at 10 Downing Street this week. The gathering was a celebration not just of faith and culture, but also of inclusion, unity, and resilience in a time marked by domestic and international tensions.
“This is the centre of government,” Starmer said, addressing the assembled guests. “It’s really appropriate that you’re here in the centre of that, and it’s your right to put your fingerprints on what we’re doing.” His remarks underscored a central theme of the evening: the recognition of British Muslims as an integral part of the nation’s civic and political life.
The reception comes against a backdrop of rising community anxieties. Only days before the event, controversy erupted over insensitive comments regarding Eid celebrations in Trafalgar Square, which were widely condemned by leaders across political and faith communities. Starmer did not shy away from addressing this head-on. “Those comments were utterly disgraceful,” he said. “It is something to celebrate that we have religious gatherings and open prayers in public spaces. That is what makes us British. That is something we should be proud of.”
Beyond domestic controversies, the Prime Minister acknowledged global tensions affecting communities in the UK. From unrest in the Middle East to humanitarian crises in Gaza, Starmer emphasised the responsibility of the government to work with allies to de-escalate conflicts and provide stability. “I know that many people here have friends and family in the region, for whom this has been a trying time,” he said, recognising the emotional weight carried by members of the British Muslim community.
The tone of the evening was one of reflection and celebration. Starmer highlighted the spirit of Ramadan, noting the extraordinary generosity and community service demonstrated by British Muslims. From acts of charity to inclusive cultural events, these traditions, he argued, are the building blocks of social cohesion. He said, “Communities coming together, inviting others to join in— We all gain, actually, by being able to celebrate together, to break fast together, as we have all done many, many times, carrying out acts of service, and the extraordinary generosity of British Muslims in giving to the vulnerable and those in need.
“That is all what Ramadan is about, and that sense of giving, that sense of recognising community, of being of and with the community, because that's how you strengthen bonds of community and the decency of values that unite us.”
Starmer’s speech also addressed the rise in hate crimes targeting Muslims, which has been a persistent concern in recent years. He recalled his work as Director of Public Prosecutions, expressing dismay at the reversal of progress in combating such crimes. “It is deeply saddening to see hate crimes increasing rather than declining,” he said, citing recent attacks in Manchester and Brighton as stark reminders of the ongoing challenges. He underscored the importance of community solidarity in responding to such incidents, praising local responses that highlighted resilience and compassion.
The Prime Minister also drew parallels between anti-Muslim hostility and other forms of prejudice, stressing that attacks on any community are attacks on the nation itself. In light of recent antisemitic attacks in Golders Green, he affirmed the government’s commitment to stand alongside all communities facing hate and division.
Secretary of State for the Home Department, Shabana Mahmood, and the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, were among the leading voices who took to the stage, addressing recent hate crime incidents and growing insensitivity towards the community.
Symbolically, hosting the reception at Downing Street sent a clear message: British Muslims are not only welcomed but are central to the nation’s political and social life. “It’s your right to tell us what you think, and it’s our responsibility to listen,” Starmer said. By bringing community leaders into the heart of government, the Prime Minister sought to reinforce inclusion, participation, and representation.
Starmer also took a moment to celebrate the positive contributions of British Muslims. From healthcare to media, business to culture, their work enriches the fabric of the country. “We don’t say enough about the positives,” he said, urging recognition of the myriad ways in which Muslim communities strengthen Britain.
The atmosphere at Downing Street was one of warmth, pride, and shared purpose. Guests admired the festive decorations and thoughtful touches, which, Starmer joked, should perhaps remain beyond just the evening of the reception. Beyond the ceremony, the gathering represented a broader commitment to dialogue, understanding, and community cohesion in a period marked by social, political, and international pressures.
As the reception concluded, the Prime Minister reflected on the significance of the event in the context of a multicultural Britain. “Whether it’s the first time or the second time you’re here, enjoy the evening. I’m proud to be standing alongside you, not just alongside you, but with you,” he said, drawing applause from the assembled leaders.
Amongst the notable faces at the event were Asma Khan restaurateur and owner of Darjeeling Express; Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting; and MPs Rushanara Ali and Jess Phillips.
The reception served as more than a celebration of a religious festival. It was a statement of solidarity and affirmation, a demonstration of inclusion amid rising tensions, and a reminder of the shared values that underpin British society. In doing so, it offered both reassurance and inspiration to communities navigating the challenges of a complex, interconnected world.
