Sir Keir Starmer has said there is “light at the end of the tunnel” in a Christmas message delivered as most of the country faces a festive season under tough coronavirus restrictions.
The Labour leader used the video message to send a personal thank-you to the UK’s key workers as well as emergency service workers, NHS staff and carers who “will have to step up again, one more time, this Christmas”.
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson held a video call with UK forces serving overseas in countries including Mali, Estonia, Somalia, Afghanistan and working in the battle against coronavirus in Britain.
Telling servicemen and women that they represented “the very best of our country”, Mr Johnson said: “It’s not just abroad that this has been an amazing year for the armed services.
“So many of you have been responsible for doing extraordinary things here at home, thousands of you helping to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Building the Nightingales, delivering PPE, testing people, and now leading the way and helping the country to get vaccinated.
“Thank you for your sacrifice and your effort. You’re bringing hope and encouragement to the entire country. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.”
In his message, Sir Keir said that 2020 had seen “the very best of Britain” in the form of “the key workers who have been our country’s rock, the servicemen and servicewomen who have stepped up and the incredible scientists who have discovered a vaccine”.
Standing before a Union flag and a Christmas tree, he said: “Too many families have lost loved ones this year. For many, that is going to mean an empty space around the Christmas table. And I know how difficult this period will be without them.
“To all of those families, to all of you in isolation, my thoughts are with you all. This year has been like no other.
“But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The vaccine will be distributed. The spread of the virus will slow. Businesses will reopen.
“And we will recapture the spirit that has got us through the pandemic and rebuild a better future for our country.”
