BORIS SALUTES OUR NHS HEROES
BORIS Johnson hails the “selfless” work of NHS staff, police and public servants across the country in his Christmas message.
The Prime Minister also pays tribute to British servicemen and women around the world who keep our country safe.
It comes after he yesterday announced a £260million package to help the homeless during a visit to a charity.
Surprisingly, Mr Johnson, who will spend Christmas Day in Downing Street with his partner Carrie Symonds and their dog Dilyn, does not mention the B-word.
But he somewhat cheekily refers to Brexit as he urges families not to have “too many arguments” over the festive season.
The PM starts his short address, filmed in No 10, by wishing everyone a “merry little Christmas”.
“It’s that special time of year when – whatever has gone before – we can take an opportunity to celebrate all that is good in the world and to spend time with our friends and family,” he says. “Christmas
Day is, first and foremost, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day of inestimable importance to billions of Christians the world over.
“I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful break with your loved ones, sharing gifts and tucking into some delicious food.”
Mr Johnson then pays tribute to the many people who are working over the holiday period.
“Of course, as many of us are enjoying a break at this time of year, let’s not forget all those who have selflessly put their celebrations on hold,” he says.
“On behalf of the whole country I want to say a huge thank you to our amazing NHS staff, many of whom will be working throughout the holidays to take care of us.
“Thank you also to our police, and all those public servants working tirelessly this Christmas.
“I also want to express my personal gratitude to the wonderful members of our Armed Forces currently on deployment – and therefore to their friends, family and children back home who will have an empty chair at the table when they tuck into their Christmas dinner.”
Turning to the oppression of Christians in some countries, Mr Johnson says: “Today of all days, I want us to remember those Christians around the world who are facing persecution.
“For them, Christmas Day will be marked in private, in secret, perhaps even in a prison cell.
“As Prime Minister, that’s something I want to change. We stand with Christians everywhere, in solidarity, and will defend your right to practise your faith.
“So as a country let us reflect on the year, and celebrate the good that is to come.”
On a lighter note, he adds: “Folks, I hope you enjoy the next few days.
“Try not to have too many arguments with the in-laws, or anyone else.
“And whoever you are, wherever you are, and however you’re celebrating, have a very happy
‘As a country, let us reflect on the year and celebrate the good to come’
Christmas, and I’ll see you all again in the New Year.” Mr Johnson has revealed that is hoping to be given a new bicycle on Christmas Day
However, he jokingly told friends that it could be left to him to buy himself a new set of wheels.
The Prime Minister revealed during the Tory leadership campaign in July that a bike he had been given by Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman had been stolen.
He recently told friends about his Christmas hopes: “I’d like a new bicycle – but I’ll have to buy it myself.” Traditionally, many British prime ministers have chosen to spend Christmas at the picturesque Chequers countryside retreat.
Others, most recently Theresa May, have opted to spend the day in their constituency home instead.
But in what is likely to be seen as an unusual move, Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds have opted to remain in Downing Street.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The Prime
Minister will be spending Christmas Day in Downing Street. He will be with Carrie and with Dilyn.”
It is unclear whether the couple will be joined on Christmas Day by any of their respective family members.
Mr Johnson spent yesterday helping out at a homeless charity where he handed out mince pies to rough sleepers and announced a new £260million boost for councils to help combat rough sleeping. More than 300 councils across England will receive a share of the funding to support homeless people in their areas.
Speaking at the Marylebone Project, in London, the Prime Minister said: “It cannot be right in the 21st century that people are homeless or having to sleep on our streets, and this Government will work tirelessly to bring this to an end.
“This new funding is going to help councils provide better support to homeless people, and importantly, prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place.
“But we have got to do even more, and we are committed to expanding rough sleeping and homelessness programmes, and ensuring more integrated working between our local health and housing services.”
Difficult
Meanwhile Jeremy Corbyn – in what will almost certainly be his last Christmas message as Labour leader – reflected ruefully on his catastrophic election defeat while expressing his hope for a “better world”.
“This has been a difficult year for many of us. We didn’t succeed in delivering the change that so many people so desperately need,” he said.
“But Christmas is a chance to listen, reflect and remember all the things that bind us together: our compassion, our determination to tackle injustice and our hope for a better world.”