Prime Minister's Meme Mishap Causes Classroom Chaos
Sir Keir Starmer found himself in an unexpectedly awkward situation during what was meant to be a routine school visit to promote education policy. The Prime Minister inadvertently triggered classroom chaos by performing the viral 'six-seven' hand gesture that has been infuriating teachers across Britain for months.
The Incident Unfolds at Welland Academy
While visiting Welland Academy in Peterborough with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to promote the expansion of free school meals, Sir Keir was reading a book with a Year 2 pupil. When the young girl pointed out they were on page 'six-seven', the Prime Minister immediately made the juggling hand motion that accompanies the viral meme.
Sir Keir then looked around the room at other children who had begun joining in and enthusiastically said: 'Six-seven, everybody, six-seven, are you doing page six-seven?' The classroom quickly descended into chaos as all pupils copied the hand gesture, while Ms Phillipson remained seated, smiling but refusing to participate.
An Awkward Apology and Aftermath
A teacher immediately informed the Prime Minister: 'We are not over that yet, we are not over that, it's still very much a thing.' As he prepared to leave, Sir Keir commented: 'See you later. That was a bit wild.'
Headteacher Jo Anderson then confronted him, saying: 'Thanks Prime Minister for that lovely six-seven. You know children get into trouble for saying that in our school?' An embarrassed Sir Keir replied: 'Oh do they?' before adding: 'Sorry about that.' When Ms Anderson assured him it was 'absolutely fine', the Prime Minister joked: 'I didn't start it, Miss.'
Later, Sir Keir uploaded a video of the incident to his Instagram page with the caption: 'I think I just got myself put in detention...'
The Origins of the Viral Phenomenon
The 'six-seven' phrase and its accompanying hand gesture has become an internet sensation this year, causing significant frustration for teachers trying to maintain classroom discipline. The meme is thought to have originated from a song called Doot Doot (67) by US rapper Skrilla before going viral on TikTok, where it was used to describe the 6ft 7in height of Charlotte Hornets basketball player LaMelo Ball.
In March, teenager Maverick Trevillian became known as the '6-7' kid after a viral video showed him shouting the phrase at a game while performing the hand gesture that would later cause a Prime Minister so much embarrassment.
