A Labour event which will feature a speech from the party’s Shadow Equalities Minister offered attendees five meal options based on different dietary requirements – but failed to include kosher.
Participants in the London Labour group annual dinner were able to select halal meals, or vegetarian and vegan options, but no provision was available for Jewish diners who keep kosher.
The Board of Deputies said the omission was “very disappointing” and “thoughtless”.
An application form for the event advised attendees: “If you have any dietary requirements you would like to make us aware of, please select the appropriate option below.”
Five options were available: vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free and halal.
A kosher option was added after the JC brought the issue to the party's attention today.
Jewish diners who wish to have a kosher meal at similar events are often able to ask for a pre-prepared dinner to be provided from a kosher catering firm.
The dinner is due to be held on March 15 at the Museum of London in the City. The guest speaker is Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London.
Dawn Butler, Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, is due to host the event, which will give attendees a chance to see new exhibits at the museum, including one marking the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act.
“Many guest speakers” will address the celebration during a two-course dinner.
An advertisement for the event promotes it as a “unique opportunity to not only experience the museum but to also contribute to our election fighting fund and help us make many Labour gains across London” ahead of May’s local elections in the capital.
Tickets cost between £85 and £115.
A Board of Deputies spokesman said: “This is very disappointing and it is thoughtless that kosher is not an option. This is a missed opportunity, particularly in light of everything else going on.”
Labour has also failed to include dietary options suitable for members of the Dharmic faiths - including Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jainists. It is understood some members of those faiths have expressed the view that the party is “losing touch” with them.
A London Labour Party spokesperson said: “There was always a kosher option available for the dinner but due to an error the option was not included in the online form.
"This has now been corrected.”
