Keir Starmer has called on Britons to show kindness to struggling friends or family this Christmas, saying being in touch with those in need can make a big difference.
Starmer, whose brother died last Boxing Day, said people should channel the spirit of the many volunteers and public sector workers who are on duty this Christmas by resolving to get back in touch with those who might find the time of year difficult.
“Some truly special people will be pulling on their uniforms and heading out to work,” he said. “Many volunteers will be out there as well. Serving food. Reaching out to help those lonely or in need.
“As a nation, we should raise a glass to you this Christmas. But more than that, we should each do our bit as well. I know many across Britain are still struggling with the cost of living. Helping with that is my priority.
“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.”
Starmer is expected to spend the Christmas break at Chequers, the prime minister’s country retreat, with his family including his wife, Victoria, his teenage children and his father-in-law.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, said she taught her three children that as well as presents, ‘Christmas is also about the birth of Christ’. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, said in her Christmas message that she would be reflecting on motherhood and her three children over the Christmas period.
“One of the privileges of being a mother is watching my children grow up, and it happens so quickly,” she said. “So, this Christmas, I’m excited to spend lots of quality time with them … They love presents and Father Christmas, but I teach them that Christmas is also about the birth of Christ.”
Badenoch said she wanted to thank those who had supported her during her first year as party leader. “It’s been the biggest challenge of my life, but it’s also been a wonderful year.”
Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader, spoke of ‘the Christmas spirit of generosity, love and hope’. Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images
The Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, filmed his message in front of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, which has often been a target of abuse on social media for the simplicity of its decorations.
“I have to admit – on the surface it does look a little underwhelming. But it’s also my favourite Christmas tree,” Davey said, describing the tree’s history as a gift from the people of Oslo to the people of Britain after the king of Norway sought refuge in Britain.
“To the people of Norway, during 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.”
The Green party leader, Zack Polanski, who spent several days in the run-up to Christmas meeting refugees in Calais, called for an end to the demonisation of refugees in his Christmas message, saying: “I don’t believe we’re the country who the media paint us to be. I don’t believe that we’re cruel and heartless. And I don’t believe that if people saw what I’ve seen in recent days, they would turn away.”
The tree in Trafalgar Square is an annual gift from Norway as a gesture of gratitude for Britain’s support during the second world war. Photograph: Zeynep Demir Aslim/Anadolu/Getty Images
King Charles will deliver his Christmas Day message from Westminster Abbey. It will have the theme of pilgrimage and will take place in front of Christmas trees that decorated the Princess of Wales’s Together at Christmas carol concert, staged at the abbey earlier in December.
The king’s message will be transmitted on television and radio at 3pm on Christmas Day.
