Prime Minister Keir Starmer found himself at the centre of a lighthearted viral moment during a visit to Welland Academy in Peterborough, after schoolchildren coaxed him into joining the “6-7” meme that has swept through primary classrooms across the UK. The trend, which involves chanting “six-seven” and performing a playful hand gesture, is banned at the school for being disruptive, and Starmer was promptly reminded of the rule by a teacher who told him that pupils get into trouble for doing it. The prime minister laughed and replied, “I didn’t start it, Miss,” later posting a joking video on Instagram saying he may have landed himself in detention.
How Keir Starmer was drawn into the meme
The moment unfolded during a reading session, when a child pointed out that she was on page 67 of her book. Knowing the meme, she made the gesture associated with the trend, prompting Starmer to copy it with a grin. Other pupils immediately joined in, sparking giggles around the room and catching cameras that were filming the visit. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, seated nearby, appeared to recognise the moment but refrained from participating.The incident became a social media talking point within hours, with clips circulating widely and users amused that the country’s leader had been roped into a playground fad popular among children born into TikTok culture.
What the ‘6-7’ meme means and why schools dislike it
The “6-7” trend originally spread through TikTok, with roots in a rap track and online edits connected to US basketball star LaMelo Ball. Children in the UK adopted it as a classroom joke, repeating the chant whenever the numbers six or seven are mentioned, especially during maths lessons. Teachers say it derails focus and encourages group disruption, leading some schools to introduce bans.Despite its harmless appearance, its online origins include content unsuitable for young children, which is one reason some educators try to prevent it spreading.Social media responses ranged from amusement to criticism, with many users confused about the meme itself and others using the moment to take political jabs at the prime minister. Some viewers thought the clip was harmless fun, while others said it made Starmer look awkward or out of touch.Reactions included:
- That should stop the trend stone cold
- This feels like a Ricky Gervais script
- Finally this stupid thing is over
- Almost wholesome
- No way 6-7 made it across the pond
- He has no idea what this is about
- What is my prime minister doing
- What is the 6-7 trend
- More awkward than me
- Already cringe so that figures
- Our children talk about 6-7 but they still do not understand it
The school visit was originally intended to promote Starmer’s agenda on free school meals and tackling child poverty, areas his government has emphasised since taking office. Instead, the playful exchange became the headline, showing how meme culture increasingly intersects with politics and public image.
