Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Keir Starmer started his innings as the UK Prime Minister with a temple visit.
Fact
Video of Starmer’s visit to the temple predates his appointment as the new UK Prime Minister.
A video showing the newly elected UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer visiting a Hindu temple is going viral on social media platforms. Multiple users, including verified handles, who shared the clip claimed that it shows Starmer starting his innings as the UK Prime Minister with a temple visit. Newschecker, however, found the claim to be untrue. The video predates his election as the UK Prime Minister replacing Rishi Sunak.
Multiple X and Facebook users shared the video claiming, “UK new PM starts his innings by visiting London Akshardham mandir,” adding that it shows the “power of sanatan.” The one-minute-long-footage has also found its way to YouTube.
Such posts can be found here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Old Photo Of New UK PM Keir Starmer Getting Knighted Shared As Recent
Fact Check/Verification
A keyword search for “UK PM Starmer,” “London” and “temple” on Google did not yield any credible report on his alleged temple visit after assuming the Prime Minister office.
We then looked up the keyframes of the viral video on Google lens which yielded an X post by @SGadiLondon, the official handle of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury, dated June 29, 2024.
Carrying stills from the viral footage, the post stated, “The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury community welcomes Sir Keir Starmer, visiting the home of Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa to seek His blessings.”
A release on the temple’s official website from June 29, 2024, stated that Starmer visited the temple on June 28. It also featured multiple images from his visit – visuals identical to the one seen in the viral footage.
Furthermore, we found a slightly longer version of the same video shared on the official Facebook page of the temple on June 29, 2024.
Starmer had also shared photographs from his visit to the temple on his official X account on June 28, 2024. “An honour to be back at Kingsbury temple today alongside hundreds of worshippers to recognise the immense service of the Hindu community in Britain,” the post stated.
Notably, the UK general elections were held on July 4, 2024. Keir Starmer officially became Prime Minister of the UK on July 5, following an audience with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London.
The temple also shared a few photographs from Starmer’s June visit on social media to congratulate on his win on July 5. However, there is no evidence to suggest that he again visited the temple after becoming the UK Prime Minister.
Conclusion
Hence, the viral claim that Keir Starmer started his “innings” as the new UK Prime Minister with a temple visit is false.
Result: False
Sources
X Post By @SGadiLondon, Dated June 29, 2024
Release By Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Dated June 29, 2024
Facebook Post By @SGadiLondon, Dated June 29, 2024
X Post By @Keir_Starmer, Dated June 28, 2024
Website Of UK Parliament
YouTube Video By BBC, Dated July 5, 2024
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
