Sir Keir Starmer found himself in a light-hearted but telling schoolroom scenario this week, as the Prime Minister received a gentle telling-off from a teacher for participating in a disruptive viral trend with students.
The Classroom Incident
The incident occurred on Monday 25 November 2025 during a visit to Welland Academy in Peterborough. Sir Keir was reading animal poetry with pupils as part of a discussion about the importance of free school meals when a student pointed out they were on page 67.
Seizing the moment, the Prime Minister made the distinctive hand gesture that accompanies the viral '6-7' trend, prompting many students to immediately join in with the popular expression.
The trend, which originated from rapper Skrilla's song 'Doot Doot (6 7)' and gained popularity through memes featuring NBA player LaMelo Ball, involves someone saying 'six' with others responding 'seven' while making a juggling motion with their hands.
An Apology from the PM
As Sir Keir left the classroom, he remarked 'That was a bit wild,' to which the teacher humorously responded: 'Thanks for that, prime minister, for that lovely 6-7. You know, children get into trouble for saying that in school.'
The Prime Minister immediately put his head in his hand and offered an apology, saying: 'Oh, do they... Sorry about that,' before adding the classic student defence: 'I didn't start it, Miss.'
Educators have reported that the nonsensical phrase has become a significant classroom distraction, with some imposing consequences for students who use the term during lessons.
Broader Purpose of the Visit
Sir Keir, accompanied by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, continued his visit by serving meatballs in tomato sauce with pasta, salad and garlic bread to children in the dining hall.
In an interview following the incident, the Prime Minister refocused attention on the purpose of his visit: 'We're focusing on free school meals today, which we're rolling out for all children whose families are on universal credit.'
He emphasised that the policy changes due in September 2026 would mean 'half a million children more on free school meals,' describing this as making 'a massive difference because for some children, that'll be the only or best meal of the day.'
Sir Keir added that beyond nutrition, 'it's not just a meal, it's an opportunity, because children with a decent meal inside them will learn better. So this is about driving down on child poverty.'
