Keir Starmer celebrates the Christian origins of Shrove Tuesday as he emphasises 'values that bring us together'
Keir Starmer has discussed the Christian importance of Shrove Tuesday and put emphasis on the "values that bring us together".
Tuesday, February 17, marked the 2026 edition of Pancake Day.
Shrove Tuesday is particularly important in the Christian calendar, marking the final day before Lent, which begins the following day on Ash Wednesday.
The day signifies forgiveness, which sets a person free from spiritual guilt.
Sir Keir, who has previously said he grew up in a "loosely" Church of England family, has claimed to be an atheist during his premiership.
Though on Tuesday, the Prime Minister, who has faced criticism for his oversight of some events in the religious calendar, returned to his religious roots.
"Wishing a happy Shrove Tuesday to everyone who is celebrating," he posted on X.
"Rooted in Christian tradition, today is an opportunity to reflect on the values that bring us together."
The Prime Minister included a photo of two chefs flipping pancakes outside Downing Street.
And while Sir Keir was celebrating the religious day, Christian communities and political rivals have used the opportunity to poke fun at the PM.
Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, told GB News: "Pancakes, particularly with the simple lemon and sugar topping, are proof that God loves us.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- 'I DARE him to remove us!' Keir Starmer warned as Chagossians return home in protest of surrender
- Labour MPs rage at Keir Starmer as election U-turn forces party to face voters' wrath
- WATCH: Stephen Kinnock details Labour’s seven per cent uplift in income for disabled Britons
"I hope that Keir discovers this for himself, finding salvation and seeing all the other benefits that Christianity can bring us as individuals and as a nation."
Meanwhile, outspoken Christian and former Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg used the opportunity to poke fun at the PM: "This Government is as flat as a pancake."
And the Conservatives themselves made sure to get in on the joke, writing: "It's Pancake Day!
"And Keir Starmer is celebrating his 15th successful flip since getting into power."
They included a link to a website game that challenges the user to as many flips - in other words, U-turns - as the Labour government under Sir Keir.
On Monday, Labour's 15th U-turn was announced when they confirmed plans to delay local elections had been scrapped following legal advice.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
