PM urges unity for UK divided by Brexit
THERESA May has used her Christmas message to urge the country to come together after the divisions caused by the EU referendum and the vote for Brexit.
With the Tories split by the campaign and its aftermath, the PM insisted there was now an “historic opportunity” to recast the nation’s place in the world.
Despite the political turbulence of 2016, she said the UK had “much to celebrate”, citing the Queen’s 90th birthday and the success of Olympic and Paralympic athletes in the Rio games.
She said: “Many of us will have more personal memories too, of happy times with family and friends.
“These are precious moments when people from many backgrounds, with different beliefs, come together to celebrate with families and communities.
“Coming together is also important for us as a country. As we leave the European Union we must seize an historic opportunity to forge a bold new role for ourselves in the world and to unite our country. With our international partners, we must work together to promote trade, increase prosperity and face the challenges to peace and security around the world.”
She also thanked the armed forces, security agencies and emergency services who would be separated from friends and families over the festive period.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, in his Christmas message, said that despite war in Syria and terror attacks in Europe, mankind was making progress in terms of health, education and longevity.