Keir Starmer encourages Britons to ‘reach out’ to others this Christmas | Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer has urged Britons to show kindness to friends or family in a difficult situation this Christmas, saying keeping in touch with those in need can make a big difference.
Starmer, whose brother died the day after last Christmas, said people should channel the spirit of the many volunteers and public sector workers serving this Christmas by resolving to get back in touch with those who may find this time of year difficult.
“Some truly special people will put on their uniforms and go to work,” he said. “A lot of volunteers will be there as well. Serving meals. Reaching out to help those who are lonely or in need.
“As a nation, we must raise a glass to you this Christmas. But more importantly, we must each do our part. I know many people in Britain are still struggling with the high cost of living. My priority is to help with that.”
“But at this time of year when love and abundance are celebrated, loss or distress can feel even more acute. So call a neighbor. Check in on a friend or relative you haven’t heard from in a while. Reach out. It can make a big difference.”
Starmer is expected to spend the Christmas holiday with his family, including his wife Victoria, teenage children and father-in-law, at the prime minister’s countryside resort Chequers.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said in her Christmas message that she would reflect on motherhood and her three children over the Christmas period.
“One of the privileges of being a mother is watching my children grow, and it happens so quickly,” she said. “So, I’m excited to spend a lot of quality time with them this Christmas… They love gifts and Santa, but I’m teaching them that Christmas is also about the birth of Jesus.”
Badenoch said he wanted to thank those who supported him in his first year leading the party. “It was the biggest challenge of my life, but it was also a great year.”
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey filmed his message in front of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, which is a frequent target of abuse on social media for the simplicity of its decorations.
Davey stated that the tree’s history is that it was a gift from the people of Oslo to the people of Britain after the Norwegian king took refuge in Britain, and said, “I must admit, it looks a bit depressing at first glance. But it is also my favorite Christmas tree.”
“For the people of Norway in that dark period of Nazi rule, Britain became a symbol of freedom and hope. So this tree is about friendship and loyalty,” he said. “I can’t think of a better symbol of the Christmas spirit of generosity, love and hope.”
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who spent a few days before Christmas meeting refugees in Calais, called for an end to the demonization of refugees in his Christmas message, saying: “I do not believe that we are the country that the media portrays us as. I do not believe that we are cruel and heartless. And if people saw what I have seen in recent days, I do not believe that they would turn away.”
King Charles will deliver his message from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day. The event, which will be pilgrimage-themed, will take place in front of the Christmas trees that adorn the Princess of Wales’s Together in Christmas Carol Concert, which is staged at the abbey in early December.
The King’s message will be broadcast on television and radio at 15:00 on Christmas Day.
