Why Did Keir Starmer Ignore Ash Wednesday and Lent?

sir kier stammer at a iftar in parliament

It’s honestly disheartening—but not surprising. Our Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, made sure to publicly recognize Ramadan, attending an iftar in Parliament, yet said nothing about Ash Wednesday or the start of Lent. This is the leader of a country built on Christian values, and yet, when it comes to Christianity, there’s silence.

At the iftar, Starmer spoke about the rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes and the struggles of British Muslims, but where is the same concern for Christians? We’re seeing churches close, Christian traditions erased, and Christians ridiculed for simply holding to the faith that shaped this nation. Yet, our leaders act like we don’t exist.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about resenting other faiths being recognized—it’s about the deliberate sidelining of Christianity in a country where our cathedrals, our laws, our monarchy, and even our sense of justice were all shaped by the Gospel. Starmer’s silence on Ash Wednesday isn’t just a political oversight; it’s a failure to acknowledge the truth—that Jesus Christ is King.

But we’re not called to despair. Christ Himself told us, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first” (John 15:18). This is our time to stand firm, to live Lent with real devotion, and to pray for this country to remember its foundations.

How Do We Pray?

For our leaders – That they would stop ignoring Christ and recognize the faith that built this country.

For the Church in Britain – That we hold fast to the faith, even when society tries to erase it.

For boldness – That we, as Anglo-Catholics, don’t shrink back but live our faith with courage and beauty.

For revival – That God would stir hearts in this land to turn back to Him.

Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and penance, but it’s also a time of hope. Christ sees us. Christ hears us. And no politician, no media, no cultural shift can change the truth—He reigns.

Deus vult