Rishi Sunak has urged Britons to keep alive the hope of a better world in his Christmas message.
In what is expected to be the last such message before the election, the Prime Minister thanked those “will be sacrificing their Christmases this year in the service of others”.
He saluted those work in the NHS, the police and “our amazing armed forces”.
The Tory leader also put the spotlight on “those facing a difficult time” both in the UK and around the world.
Mr Sunak said he wanted to reflect on the “Christian values at the heart of this celebration of Christ’s birth” because “Christmas is a time of peace, joy, compassion, a time of hope and a promise of a better world”.
He added: “And today as we look ahead, let’s keep that promise of a brighter future burning into the New Year. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing for the festivities, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer used his message to say love and peace are worth campaigning for – even in times of “darkness and despair”.
The Labour leader said the values of Christmas should be the “guiding light” for us all.
Sir Keir took inspiration from the Nativity story in his message, saying: “For Christians the world over, this is a time to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ – God’s son. The birth of Jesus Christ brings light into our world, and reminds us that in times of darkness and despair, hope, love and peace are always worth advocating for.
“Charity, humility and selflessness take centre stage in the Christmas story – and this season serves as a reminder that these qualities should be a guiding light for all of us.”
The aspiring Prime Minister also used the festive message to pay tribute to people serving their communities this Christmas.
He thanked NHS staff “working around the clock to keep us healthy” and Royal mail workers for delivering gifts and cards.
He paid tribute to military personnel for their “steadfast commitment to our national security, which often means being away from loved ones,” and thanked retail and hospitality workers.
Sir Keir also applauded the “generosity of churches and charities, providing a safe haven and support for those less fortunate, and for those for whom Christmas is a difficult time”.
He said: “On behalf of the Labour Party, I send my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all of you for what you do. Happy Christmas, from my family to yours.”
