‘I didn’t start it’: Starmer apologises for ‘six seven’ uproar during school visit

6 hours ago7 min read

In a political misstep that could have been lifted straight from a campaign strategy nightmare, Prime Minister Keir Starmer found himself in the unlikely position of having to apologize for encouraging the very 'six seven' viral phenomenon that has been driving parents and teachers to distraction. During what should have been a routine, positive photo opportunity at Welland Academy in Peterborough, the PM, perhaps in a calculated attempt to appear relatable or simply caught off-guard by the classroom's energy, appeared to lean into the juvenile chaos.The moment was pure political theater, a unscripted flashpoint where the carefully managed facade of statesmanship collided with the unpredictable reality of a school visit. This isn't just a quirky anecdote; it's a case study in modern political vulnerability.A leader's every word and gesture is now instant fodder for social media amplification, and Starmer's joke about potentially being 'put in detention' afterward, while a deft attempt at damage control, underscores the perpetual campaign even a sitting prime minister must wage. The incident reveals the tightrope walked by public figures: how to project authority while demonstrating a common touch, a balance that can be shattered by a single, poorly received interaction.For the parents of Peterborough, the takeaway is stark—their head of government was momentarily the class clown, validating a nonsensical trend that undermines classroom discipline. For political analysts, it’s a reminder that in the 24/7 news cycle, the battle isn't just fought in parliament over policy, but in school halls over silly slogans, where a leader's perceived judgment is constantly on trial. The fallout is minimal but symbolic; it chips away at the gravitas of the office, providing easy ammunition for opponents and cartoonists alike, and serves as a warning that no public appearance is too trivial to escape becoming a political liability.

#lead focus news

#Keir Starmer

#school visit

#six seven slang

#prime minister

#apology

#viral trend

#education