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Sir keir starmer has highlighted the continuing struggle with cost of living across BritainNoting that “the difficulty may feel even more acute” during the festive season. Christmas MessageMeanwhile, the Prime Minister urged the public to “reach out” Friendfamily, and NeighbourEmphasizing that “we must each make our contribution”.
These messages come at the end of a challenging year GovernmentWhich has seen little progress in its economic development agenda.
The Bank of England recently cautioned that growth is projected to plateau in the final quarter of 2025, after a declining trend throughout the year. Consumer confidence also remained soft ahead of Christmas, hit by ongoing costs.living Pressure.
In his video address released on Christmas Eve, Sir Keir expressed his gratitude to people working during the holidays.
“As many people get their feet up, some really special people will put on their uniform and go to work,” he said.
He particularly acknowledged “our NHS staff, emergency services and the brave people and women Our armed forces are all playing their part, contributing to looking after the nation and keeping us safe.” He also paid tribute to the volunteers: “Many volunteers will also be there. serving food. Reaching out to help those who are lonely or in need.”
Sir Keir concluded his thanks by saying: “So on behalf of the whole country, I want to say a big thank you to you. As a nation, we must raise a glass to you this Christmas. But more than that, each of us must also make our own contribution.”
He reiterated his focus on economic challenges: “I know many people across the UK are still struggling with the cost of living. Helping with this is my priority.” Emphasizing the sense of community, he said: “But at this time of year, which celebrates love and abundance, loss or hardship can be felt even more. So call a neighbor. Reach out to a friend or relative you haven’t heard from in a while. Reach out. It can make a big difference. That’s what Christmas is all about.”
The Labor leader has faced internal party challenges this year, leading to changes on a number of policy fronts, including proposals to cut the winter fuel payment and reforms aimed at curbing the rising welfare bill.
Concurrent, Tory leader Kemi Badenochwho completed his first year as leader without any formal challenge after facing leadership speculation, reflected on a challenging period.
He described it as “the biggest challenge of my life” in his Christmas message. He commented, “Life can be wonderful, but it can also be bumpy.”
“Christmas is a chance to reflect on the year gone by, to be grateful for the good things, to mourn what we have lost, and to look forward to what we are going to have in the coming year.” She expressed gratitude, saying, “With that in mind, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me during my first year as Leader of the Opposition. It has been the biggest challenge of my life, but it has also been an amazing year. I can’t wait to get back to work next year to build a better United Kingdom.”
His message came after the Government announced an increase in the inheritance tax relief threshold for farmers from £1 million to £2.5 million, a move that followed months of protests and warnings from the farming sector.
While Sir Keir and Mrs Badenoch chose Christmas trees as the backdrop for their video messages, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey made the Norwegian spruce the central theme of his address. He said: “Now this Christmas tree behind me gets a lot of abuse every year. Social media trolls spreading right-wing conspiracy theories love to compare it to trees in New York City, Warsaw and Budapest. They say it’s an example of the decline of our country.”
Sir Ed admitted: “And I have to admit – on the surface it looks a bit disappointing. But it’s also my favorite Christmas tree.” He then explained its significance: “You see, this tree is a gift from the people of Oslo to the people of Britain for our support during the Second World War. They have sent one every year since 1947. It’s a wonderful tradition that reminds us of the Greatest Generation and the sacrifices they made.” He said it “evoked the idea of people standing together in difficult times – whether against the Nazis in the 1940s, or in Ukraine right now.”
Reform Britain leader Nigel Farage shared photos of himself making a “Christmas delivery in Clacton” on Tuesday.