Starmer forced to apologise to teacher after encouraging pupils to take part in banned ‘6-7’ viral trend
Sir Keir Starmer was forced to apologize to a teacher after encouraging pupils to join the viral ‘6-7’ trend during a visit to a school in Peterborough.
The Prime Minister was reading to students at Welland Academy on Monday to discuss the importance of free school meals when one student pointed out it was on page 67.
Sir Keir then made the hand gesture that accompanied the reference and many students quickly joined him.
The term “6-7” is a nonsensical phrase that is often thrown around where when “six” and “seven” are mentioned together, one person says “six” while others respond “seven.” It also comes with an accompanying “juggling” hand gesture.
The term comes from rapper Skrilla’s song “Doot Doot (6 7)” and refers to a basketball player who is 1.77 meters tall. This song gained popularity thanks to viral videos and memes featuring NBA player LaMelo Ball. Merriam-Webster.
But teachers said the phrase has become a disruptive and distracting element in classrooms, and some educators have imposed sanctions on students who use the term.
When he left the room Sir Keir said: “It was a bit crazy.”
The teacher replied jokingly: “Thank you for that, Prime Minister, for that beautiful 6-7. You know, kids who say that at school are in trouble.”
Sir Keir then put his head in his hands and said: “Oh, huh… I’m sorry about that,” and added: “I didn’t start it, Miss.”
The Prime Minister, who was also attended by Education Minister Bridget Phillipson, joined the children reading animal poetry books and talking to the kitchen staff before moving to the cafeteria.
Later, he and Mrs. Phillipson, who helped serve the meals, offered meatballs with tomato sauce, pasta, salad and garlic bread to the children sitting around the table.
In an interview afterwards, Sir Keir said: “Today we are focusing on the free school meals we offer to all children whose families have universal credit.
“That’s half a million more children on free school meals. “This will make a huge difference because for some children it will be their only or best meal of the day.
“But at the same time… it’s not just a meal, it’s an opportunity because kids who have a good meal inside of them will learn better. So this is about reducing child poverty.”
The changes are expected to come into force in September 2026 as part of a commitment to reduce child poverty.
