‘You are not alone,’ Keir Starmer declares in Christmas message to nation | EUROtoday

Sir Keir Starmer has delivered his Christmas message to the nation, saying his “thoughts are with all those who are lonely” over the festive season.

The prime minister additionally mentioned he shall be “hoping for peace” over the Christmas interval, amid rising instability within the Middle East, in addition to thanking NHS employees and the Armed Forces.

In a message delivered on Christmas eve, the prime minister mentioned he shall be “looking towards a better, brighter future for every person”.

It comes as the federal government maintains its ‘Plan for Change’ will enhance residing requirements, regardless of the newest development figures displaying the financial system flatlined within the third quarter of the 12 months.

Sir Keir mentioned that it had been ‘very tough’ to maintain time free for his household since changing into Prime Minister (Leon Neal/PA) (PA Wire)

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) had beforehand estimated 0.1 per cent development between July and September of this 12 months, but it surely has since revised this right down to 0.0 – a fair weaker estimate that what was anticipated within the last quarter of the Conservatives’ tenure.

The figures will come as a recent blow for Sir Keir’s authorities, which has put financial development on the coronary heart of its mission.

Sir Keir mentioned its necessary to “remind ourselves what’s really important” over Christmas – pointing to household, friendship and “being there for one another” in harder instances.

“This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season”, the prime minister mentioned.

“It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.”

He added: “I’d like especially to thank those who will spend their Christmas serving others this year. In our NHS and emergency services, our Armed Forces and the churches and charities that will welcome every person this Christmas.

“Because I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone.

“Because as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story reminds all of us to reach out to one another. To care for one another. And to look after those around us.”

The prime minister mentioned he shall be “hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story.”

He added: “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.”

Tory chief Kemi Badenoch additionally delivered a Christmas message, saying the interval is “a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance”.

“That’s one of the best things about Christmas, that it isn’t just about all of the things that we love and want to do, but thinking about other people”, she mentioned.

Alluding to the Conservative Party’s historic election wipeout, she added: “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year.

“Sometimes we have amazing years. Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-christmas-message-2024-b2669158.html