The annual Eid party held at Downing Street for Muslim figures was shunned by several invitees due to the UK government’s support of Israel. A spokesperson for Rishi Sunak, who was due to host the event, said he had to attend parliamentary business and therefore couldn’t attend. The prime minister did not attend the gathering, with guests instead being greeted by deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden. Major Muslim charities and significant Muslim business figures all stayed away from the reception, and none of the “big name” guests were in attendance.
Despite the boycott, around 50 people attended the reception, which was about half the size as normal. Many of those who did turn up wore small badges with the Palestinian flag on, and others wore wrist or hair bands made from keffiyeh, traditional Palestinian scarves. Some guests said they had “toyed over” whether to go and spoke to family over the weekend to decide whether it was the right thing to attend. One woman who did attend said she didn’t want to miss out on being invited to Downing Street for the first time, but wanted to make it clear that the situation in Gaza “has not been forgotten”.
The boycott represents what’s thought to be the first significant boycott of its kind at a Downing Street event. It follows a similar boycott of an annual Iftar at the White House earlier this month by American Muslims angry at US support for Israel. The event is held every year, and the prime minister has always hosted it. In a statement issued by Downing Street on Sunday, the spokesperson said Mr. Sunak “looks forward to welcoming members of the Muslim community
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