April 16, 2024
2 mins read

Sunak’s absence marks significant turnout dip in Eid celebration

Attendees expressed mixed feelings about their decision to participate, with some deliberating over ethical considerations and consulting with family before attending…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was notably absent from an annual Eid party held at Downing Street on Monday, which saw a turnout significantly smaller than usual, the BBC reported.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron had earlier publicly encouraged people to attend after some threatened to boycott the celebration in protest at the government’s support for Israel.

The gathering, reportedly about half its typical size with roughly 50 attendees, saw the absence of major Muslim charities and influential business figures.

Most notably absent were several high-profile guests, including Baroness Warsi, Britain’s first female Muslim Cabinet minister, who is known for her vocal criticism of the situation in Gaza.

Of those present, many displayed symbols of solidarity with Palestine, such as small badges featuring the Palestinian flag or wristbands featuring the keffiyeh pattern.

Attendees expressed mixed feelings about their decision to participate, with some deliberating over ethical considerations and consulting with family before attending.

One woman told the BBC that she did not want to miss the opportunity of being invited to Downing Street for the first time, but that Israel’s war in Gaza “has not been forgotten.”

Another stated that he had attended the event for years and “thought about it; thought what it was about. And what I thought was that Downing Street is marking Eid, and it is a celebration I believe in.”

He added to the BBC: “So I came. I understand why so many boycotted, but for me the right thing was to come.”

Those who attended were “surprised” that Sunak did not attend. The event is held annually, and the prime minister has always hosted it.

Sunak said on Sunday that he was “looking forward” to meeting those invited, who were selected from prominent Muslims in charity, business and politics. Guests were this year received by Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden.

The prime minister’s office told the BBC that Sunak “had business in parliament” and could not host nor attend the party. Guests leaving the event reported seeing “no MPs.”

One told the BBC: “I saw parliamentary candidates, but no MPs. They may have been there but I didn’t see them.” The absences were believed to be the first significant boycott of a Downing Street event.

ALSO READ-Fresh trouble for Sunak over Rwanda bill

Previous Story

Cameron urges Israel not to retaliate against Iran

Next Story

Indian team to head to UK to resolve FTA issues

Latest from -Top News

Business Leaders Laud UK-India Trade Deal

The British government described the deal as the “biggest and most economically significant” trade agreement the UK has signed since leaving the European Union in 2020. Business leaders have today expressed strong

US Lawmakers Backs India’s Retaliation

Indian-American Lawmakers Endorses India’s Swift Response to Pakistan Tensions…reports Asian Lite News On Wednesday, one US lawmaker of Indian descent urged Pakistan not to exploit the ongoing tensions with India as an

U.S. Raises Alarm for Americans in Pakistan

Earlier, the US Department of State had issued a travel advisory in March, also urging its citizens to “reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.”…reports Asian Lite

Khawaja Asif: Peace Only If India Backs Down

The Indian strikes and Islamabad’s retaliation has jolted locals who fear that it could potentially lead to a full-scale war between the two countries…reports Asian Lite Ndews Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Sunak says plan stopping small migrant boats is working

The opposition Labour Party said Sunak had failed to clear

Sunak facing by-election triple threat

The election will take place on the same day as