Starmer Apologizes for 67 Gesture in School Visit

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer apologized to a head teacher after joining primary school pupils in a viral hand gesture during a visit to Welland Academy in Peterborough on Monday, November 24.

Starmer, accompanied by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, toured the school to highlight the government's plans to expand the free school meals program, a key initiative aimed at supporting families and improving child nutrition. While reading with Year 2 pupils, one child noted that the group had reached page 67 in the book. Starmer responded by performing the accompanying juggling hand gesture from the popular "67" trend, which prompted laughter and participation from the children in the classroom.

The moment quickly drew a gentle rebuke from head teacher Jo Anderson. "You know children get into trouble for saying that in our school," she told Starmer as he prepared to leave the room. The prime minister, appearing surprised, replied, "Oh, do they?" He then apologized, adding, "Sorry about that. I didn't start it, Miss." A spokesperson for Downing Street later described the interaction as a lighthearted exchange, noting that Starmer had simply engaged with the pupils in a...