Keir Starmer focuses on excessive price of residing in Christmas message | EUROtoday

Sir Keir Starmer has highlighted the persistent battle with the price of residing throughout Britain, noting that “hardship can feel even more acute” in the course of the festive season, in his Christmas message. The Prime Minister, in the meantime, urged the general public to “reach out” to buddies, household, and neighbours, stressing that “we should each do our bit”.

These messages arrive on the shut of a difficult yr for the federal government, which has seen little progress in its financial progress agenda.

The Bank of England just lately cautioned that progress is projected to stagnate within the last quarter of 2025, following a downward development all year long. Consumer confidence additionally remained subdued within the run-up to Christmas, impacted by ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

In his video deal with launched on Christmas Eve, Sir Keir prolonged gratitude to these working by the vacations.

“Just as so many put their feet up, some truly special people will be pulling on their uniforms and heading out to work,” he said.

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He particularly acknowledged “Our NHS staff emergency services and the brave men and women of our armed forces all playing their part, doing their bit to care for the nation and to keep us safe.” He additionally paid tribute to volunteers: “Many volunteers will be out there as well. Serving food. Reaching out to help those lonely or in need.”

Sir Keir concluded his thanks by saying: “So on behalf of the whole country, I want to say a big thank you. As a nation, we should raise a glass to you this Christmas. But more than that, we should each do our bit as well.”

He reiterated his give attention to financial challenges: “I know many across Britain are still struggling with the cost of living. Helping with that is my priority.” Emphasising group spirit, he added: “But at this time of the year, which celebrates love and abundance, loss or hardship can feel even more acute. So call around to a neighbour. Check in on a friend or a relative who you haven’t heard from for a while. Reach out. It can make a huge difference. That is what Christmas is about.”

The Labour chief has navigated inside celebration challenges this yr, resulting in shifts on a number of coverage fronts, together with proposals to chop winter gas funds and reforms aimed toward curbing the rising welfare invoice.

Concurrently, Tory chief Kemi Badenoch, who accomplished her first yr as chief and not using a formal problem after going through management hypothesis, mirrored on a demanding interval.

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She described it as “the biggest challenge of my life” in her personal Christmas message. “Life can be amazing, but it can also be bumpy,” she remarked.

“Christmas is a chance to reflect on the year that’s been, be grateful for the good things, mourn what we may have lost, and look forward to what we are going to do in the coming year.” She expressed gratitude, stating: “With that in mind, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me during my first year as Leader of the Opposition. It’s been the biggest challenge of my life, but it’s also been a wonderful year. I can’t wait to get back to work next year to create a better United Kingdom.”

Her message adopted a authorities announcement to extend the inheritance tax reduction threshold for farmers from £1 million to £2.5 million, a transfer that got here after months of protests and warnings from the agricultural sector.

While Sir Keir and Mrs Badenoch opted for Christmas bushes as backdrops for his or her video messages, Liberal Democrat chief Sir Ed Davey made the Norwegian spruce behind him the central theme of his deal with. He famous: “Now this Christmas tree behind me gets a lot of abuse every year. The social media trolls who spread right wing conspiracy theories like to compare it to the tree in New York City, in Warsaw and in Budapest. They say it is an example of our country’s decline.”

Sir Ed conceded: “And I have to admit – on the surface it does look a little underwhelming. But it’s also my favourite Christmas tree.” He then defined its significance: “You see, this tree is a gift from the people of Oslo to the people of Britain for our support during the Second World War. They’ve sent one every year since 1947. It’s a wonderful tradition that reminds us of the greatest generation and the sacrifices they made.” He added that it evoked ideas of “people standing together in tough times – whether against the Nazis in the 1940s, or right now in Ukraine.”

Reform UK chief Nigel Farage shared pictures of himself endeavor “Christmas deliveries in Clacton” on Tuesday.