Covid battle bringing out very best of us, says Keir

SALUTE Keir Starmer and wife Victoria clap for carers in April

COVID has highlighted the “very best of Britain” through the generosity, kindness and sacrifice of the public, Keir Starmer has said.

In his Christmas message, the Labour leader praised key workers for their tireless efforts battling the virus, many of whom “will have to step up again” over Christmas.

He paid tribute to the families who face an “empty space around the Christmas table” and those spending the festive period in isolation or away from their loved ones.

Mr Starmer added: “This year has been like no other but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The vaccine will be distributed, the spread will slow.

“Businesses will reopen, and we will recapture the spirit that has got us through the pandemic and rebuild a better future.”

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson paid tribute to the armed forces.

In a video call with troops in Mali, Estonia, Somalia and Afghanistan, as well as those in the UK, the Prime Minister said: “I want to salute all of you – all our men and women in uniform – for everything you do.

“You represent the very best of our country, our number one export, the thing people really want to see around the world.

“You do good, you keep the peace, you promote our values and fly the flag in the way few other institutions can manage.”

Praising troops for helping to build the Nightingale hospitals, delivering PPE and assisting with testing and vaccination rollout, he concluded: “You’re bringing hope and encouragement to the entire country.”

We will recapture the spirit that got us through

KEIR STARMER IN HIS FESTIVE MESSAGE