Starmer: The crisis shows best of Britain
CORONAVIRUS 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 Christmas in isolation or away from their loved ones.
But the vaccine offers hope for a return to normality next year after months of hardship and loss, Starmer added.
He said: “This year has been like no other, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The vaccine will be distributed, the spread of the virus will slow, businesses will reopen and we will recapture the spirit that got us through the pandemic and rebuild a better future for our country.”
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson paid tribute to the Armed Forces for their efforts battling coronavirus.
In a video call with troops overseas in Mali, Estonia, Somalia and Afghanistan, as well as those deployed in the UK, the PM praised them for being “our No1 export”.
He said: “I want to salute all of you, our fantastic armed services, all our men and women in uniform, for everything that you do.
“You represent in my view the very best of our country, our No1 export, the thing people really want to see around the world.
“You do good, you keep the peace, you promote our values around the world and you fly the flag for our country in the way that few other institutions can manage.”
The PM praised the troops for helping to build the Nightingale hospitals, delivering PPE and assisting with testing and vaccinations, adding: “Thank you for your sacrifice and your effort.”
We will recapture the spirit that got us through KEIR STARMER IN HIS FESTIVE MESSAGE