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 associates, kin and neighbours throughout the festive interval.
His message comes on the finish of a tough yr for his authorities, with financial progress stuttering and Chancellor Rachel Reeves facing criticism over tax rises in the budget.
In a message recorded inside 10 Downing Road, Sir Keir mentioned: “I do know many throughout Britain are nonetheless combating the price of dwelling. Serving to with that’s my precedence.
“However at the moment of the yr, which celebrates love and abundance, loss or hardship can really feel much more acute.
“So name round to a neighbour. Test in on a pal or a relative who you have not heard from for some time. Attain out. It might make an enormous distinction.
“That’s what Christmas is about.”
Sir Keir Starmer delivers his Christmas message from inside Downing Road. Pic: Downing Road
The prime minister thanked NHS employees together with members of the navy and the emergency providers who might be on obligation on Christmas Day.
“Simply as so many put their toes up, some actually particular folks might be pulling on their uniforms and heading out to work,” he mentioned.
“Our NHS workers emergency providers and the courageous women and men of our armed forces, all enjoying their half, doing their bit to look after the nation and to maintain us secure.
“Many volunteers might be on the market as nicely. 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 increase a glass to you this Christmas. However greater than that, we must always every do our bit as nicely.”
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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 most important problem of my life,” she mentioned. “Nevertheless it’s additionally been a beautiful yr. I am unable to 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 reward from Norway to thank the UK for its assist throughout the Second World Conflict – in his message.
Whereas saying the tree could “look a bit of underwhelming” on first look, the Liberal Democrat chief mentioned it was a reminder of “friendship and loyalty”.
He added: “It makes me take into consideration folks standing collectively in powerful occasions – whether or not in opposition to the Nazis within the Nineteen 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 associates looking for each other proper right here at residence.
“I am unable to consider a greater image of the Christmas spirit of generosity, love and hope. Of sunshine within the darkness.”
