Rishi Sunak urged the nation to think about people around the world going through 'difficult times';
Rishi Sunak addressed the nation with “Christian values” — a change from last Christmas when he made personal phone calls to civil servants rather than broadcast a message of traditional values to the country.
The message from the Prime Minister, a Hindu who earlier this year said his faith guides him in every aspect of his life, was published on Christmas Eve.
Describing it as «magical» time of year, Mr Sunak praised the NHS, police and military, asking the nation to think about those “here and in many places around the world” who are facing difficult times.
Rishi Sunak will praise the NHS, police and army in his Christmas message. Photo: Jacob King/Getty
Instead of the traditional address to the nation, last year he called diplomats, the crew of the Royal Navy's HMS Protector in Antarctica and childcare providers in Pakistan, Somalia, Ukraine and the UK.
A return to a more traditional Christmas This year he said: «It's that magical time of year again when many of us look forward to the joy and togetherness of tomorrow.»
«But before that, I want to take a moment to Thank you to all those who will sacrifice their Christmas for others this year: the people working in our NHS, our police and our wonderful armed forces.»
«A time of peace, joy and compassion»
He urged Britons to «remember those who are going through difficult times here and in many places around the world [and] reflect on the Christian values that underpin this celebration of the Nativity of Christ.»
Without listing any of the global crises currently dominating the news, Mr Sunak said Christmas «is a time of peace, joy, compassion… a time of hope and the promise of a better world.»
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labor Party, will use his message to pay tribute to the charity sector, among other things.
He will say: “As communities across Britain come together for the season of faith and celebration, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Throughout the Christmas season, we see family bonds rekindled as families and friends share the joy, hope and optimism that Christmas brings.
“The birth of Jesus Christ brings light to our world and reminds us that… In times of darkness and despair, it is always worth standing up for hope, love and peace.
“Charity, humility and selflessness are central to the Christmas story – and this time of year serves as a reminder that these qualities should be a guiding light for us all.” .
The Labor leader will send his “sincere thanks and appreciation” to the NHS, Royal Mail workers and the military, and will also express his appreciation for “the generosity of churches and charities providing refuge and support to those less fortunate, as well as those for whom Christmas is a difficult time.”
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