23 December 2023 , 22:30
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Keir Starmer paid tribute to the NHS, postal and hospitality workers and the armed forces for their work over Christmas.
In a festive message to the nation, the Labour leader said: “Charity, humility and selflessness take centre stage in the Christmas story – and this season serves as a reminder that these qualities should be a guiding light for all of us. During the holidays many of you will be serving your community, and our country…On behalf of the Labour Party, I send my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all of you for what you do.“
Mr Starmer also used his message to say the story of Jesus was a reminder that "in times of darkness and despair, hope, love and peace are always worth advocating for".
He said: "Throughout the Christmas period, we see the bonds of kinship rekindled as families and friends share in the joy, the hope and the optimism that Christmas provides. For Christians the world over, this is a time to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ - God's son.
"The birth of Jesus Christ brings light into our world and reminds us that in times of darkness and despair, hope, love and peace are always worth advocating for. Charity, humility and selflessness take centre stage in the Christmas story - and this season serves as a reminder that these qualities should be a guiding light for all of us."
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In his Christmas message, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "I want to send my love and prayers to those caring for loved ones over Christmas. You are unsung heroes of our health system and Christmas is a time when your acts of kindness and care are felt even more. We hold in our hearts those less fortunate than ourselves. And to those who, this year, are without loved ones over Christmas.
"Whether through loss or the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, if you are missing family and friends at your Christmas table, you are in my thoughts."
Keir Starmer's Christmas message in full
As communities across Britain gather together for a period of faith and festivities - I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Throughout the Christmas period, we see the bonds of kinship rekindled, as families and friends share in the joy, the hope and the optimism that Christmas provides.
For Christians the world-over, this is a time to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ – God’s son. The birth of Jesus Christ brings light into our world, and reminds us that in times of darkness and despair, hope, love and peace are always worth advocating for. Charity, humility and selflessness take centre stage in the Christmas story – and this season serves as a reminder that these qualities should be a guiding light for all of us.
During the holidays many of you will be serving your community, and our country.
I want to thank:
- Our ever-dedicated NHS staff working around the clock to keep us healthy;
- Royal mail workers for ensuring gifts, cards and special messages are received on time;
- Military personnel for their steadfast commitment to our national security, which often means being away from loved ones;
- Retail and hospitality workers for keeping us all well stocked with Christmas treats;
- And the generosity of Churches and charities, providing a safe haven and support for those less fortunate, and for those for whom Christmas is a difficult time.
On behalf of the Labour Party, I send my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all of you for what you do.
Happy Christmas, from my family to yours.
Ed Davey's Christmas message in full
“Merry Christmas from everyone at the Liberal Democrats!
“It is such a joyous time of the year. I have enjoyed watching the Christmas spirit spread across the country.
“Watching Christmas trees pop up all around, the lights making the darker evenings sparkle.
“It’s a time when we can come together with friends and family. To sing, to eat, give and receive presents.
“And, thank God for the grace and blessings we have to celebrate in our life.
“Christmas time gives us a chance to reflect on the past year, whilst looking forward to a new one.
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“As I look to the future, I pray that we welcome a year of kindness and peace.
“Although Christmas is a joyous time for so many, it may also bring added pressures.
“I want to send my love and prayers to those caring for loved ones over Christmas. You are unsung heroes of our health system, and Christmas is a time when your acts of kindness and care are felt even more.
“We hold in our hearts those less fortunate than ourselves. And to those who, this year, are without loved ones over Christmas.
“Whether through loss or the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, if you are missing family and friends at your Christmas table, you are in my thoughts.
“So, from my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with peace, love and joy.”