UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK PM Sir Keir Starmer sends Christmas wishes, urging Britons to check on friends, family, and neighbors amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
According to The Independent’s Sophie Wingate, Sir Keir Starmer warned in his Christmas wishes that rising living expenses could make the holidays more difficult for households across Britain.
What did Sir Keir Starmer say about supporting friends, family, and neighbours this Christmas?
Sir Keir Starmer called on people to connect with friends, family, and neighbours, highlighting the importance of playing their part.
His Christmas wishes come as the government concludes a difficult year, marked by limited progress on its economic growth plans.
The Bank of England has warned that economic growth is likely to stall in the final quarter of 2024, following a year of decline, while consumer confidence remained low ahead of Christmas amid rising living costs.
In a Christmas Eve video address, the Labour leader expressed his gratitude to those working through the holidays.
He said,
“Just as so many put their feet up, some truly special people will be pulling on their uniforms and heading out to work.”
Mr Starmer 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 praised volunteers, saying,
“Many volunteers will be out there as well. Serving food. Reaching out to help those lonely or in need.”
The Labour leader concluded by adding,
“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.”
Mr Starmer focused on ongoing economic challenges, pledging support for those struggling with the cost of living. He also called for community solidarity, urging Britons to check in on friends, family, and neighbours.
What did UK political leaders say about family and compassion in their Christmas wishes?
In her Christmas message, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she will focus on family and reflect on motherhood during the festive season.
She stated,
“One of the privileges of being a mother is watching my children grow up, and it happens so quickly. 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.”
Ms Badenoch expressed her gratitude to those who supported her during her first year as party leader, describing it as both her biggest challenge and a rewarding year.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey delivered his festive wishes in front of Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree, which has often been criticized for its simple decorations.
He acknowledged the tree appears simple, but called it his favourite, noting it was a gift from the people of Oslo to Britain after Norway’s king sought refuge.
Mr Davey added,
“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. I can’t think of a better symbol of the Christmas spirit of generosity, love and hope.”
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, in his Christmas message, said he aimed to stop the negative portrayal of refugees.
He added,
“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.”
King Charles’s Christmas Day address will take place at Westminster Abbey, with a theme of pilgrimage, in front of the trees used for the Princess of Wales’s carol concert.
What time do shops close on Christmas Eve?
UK supermarket opening hours on Christmas Eve are:
- Aldi – Closes at 6 pm
- Lidl – Closes at 6 pm
- Morrisons – Varies by store, mostly 6 am–6 pm
- Tesco – Main supermarkets will close at 7 pm on Christmas Eve, while smaller stores will remain open until two hours before Christmas Day
- Co-Op – Most stores close at 7 pm; convenience stores open until 8 pm.
- Asda – Most stores open 5 am–7 pm.
- Waitrose – Early closing on Christmas Eve
- M&S – Open 6 am–6 pm