The prime minister has acknowledged Britons’ cost-of-living struggles in his Christmas message – and vowed that serving to with the difficulty is his “precedence”.
Sir Keir Starmer additionally urged members of the general public to “every do our bit” and “attain out” to buddies, kin and neighbours throughout the festive interval.
His message comes on the finish of a troublesome yr for his authorities, with financial development stuttering and Chancellor Rachel Reeves facing criticism over tax rises in the budget.
In a message recorded inside 10 Downing Avenue, Sir Keir stated: “I do know many throughout Britain are nonetheless combating the price of residing. Serving to with that’s my precedence.
“However presently of the yr, which celebrates love and abundance, loss or hardship can really feel much more acute.
“So name round to a neighbour. Verify in on a good friend or a relative who you have not heard from for some time. Attain out. It may possibly make an enormous distinction.
“That’s what Christmas is about.”
Sir Keir Starmer delivers his Christmas message from inside Downing Avenue. Pic: Downing Avenue
The prime minister thanked NHS staff together with members of the navy and the emergency providers who might be on responsibility on Christmas Day.
“Simply as so many put their ft up, some actually particular folks might be pulling on their uniforms and heading out to work,” he stated.
“Our NHS employees emergency providers and the courageous women and men of our armed forces, all taking part in their half, doing their bit to look after the nation and to maintain us protected.
“Many volunteers might be on the market as effectively. Serving meals. Reaching out to assist these lonely or in want.
“So on behalf of the entire nation, I need to say a giant thanks.
“As a nation, we must always elevate a glass to you this Christmas. However greater than that, we must always every do our bit as effectively.”
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Conservative chief Kemi Badenoch used her Christmas message to speak about “Christian values” and thanked “everybody who has supported me throughout my first yr as chief of the opposition”.
“It has been the largest problem of my life,” she stated. “Nevertheless it’s additionally been an exquisite yr. I can not wait to get again to work subsequent yr to create a greater United Kingdom.”
Liberal Democrat chief Sir Ed Davey spoke concerning the Christmas tree in London’s Trafalgar Sq. – an annual present from Norway to thank the UK for its assist throughout the Second World Struggle – in his message.
Whereas saying the tree could “look just a little underwhelming” on first look, the Liberal Democrat chief stated it was a reminder of “friendship and loyalty”.
He added: “It makes me take into consideration folks standing collectively in powerful instances – whether or not towards the Nazis within the Forties, or proper now in Ukraine.
“And yeah, it won’t be excellent, however this tree in Trafalgar Sq. makes me take into consideration households and buddies looking for each other proper right here at residence.
“I can not consider a greater image of the Christmas spirit of generosity, love and hope. Of sunshine within the darkness.”
