Starmer wishes for ‘better, brighter future’ in Christmas speech to the nation
Share:
Sir Keir Starmer has told the nation he wants a ‘better, brighter future for every person’ in his first Christmas message to the UK after becoming prime minister. The PM told the nation Christmas was a time to remember the importance of ‘being there for one another’, including in ‘the more difficult times’.
![[epa11784969 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer looks on during a bilateral meeting with the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, 19 December 2024. EPA/TOLGA AKMEN / POOL]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233730897-0a81.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
He also expressed hope for ‘peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story’ amid spiralling conflict across the region. It follows a challenging five months in office for the Labour Government which has seen Starmer’s popularity plummet to historic lows against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation.
![[UK Economy Unexpectedly Shrank]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189055440.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Sir Keir said: ‘This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. ‘It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people.
‘Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.’. The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer.
After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a ‘broken society’ which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack.
