WATCH: Theresa May calls for UK ‘pride in Christian heritage’ in Christmas address
3 min read
Theresa May has called on the country to take pride in its Christian heritage and to reflect the faith’s values as part of her Christmas broadcast.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the “selfless acts” of foreign aid and emergency service workers – noting the contribution of those who responded to the Grenfell fire and Manchester terror attack.
She also called on Britons to “come together confident and united” regardless of faith.
"As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us celebrate all those selfless acts - and countless others - that epitomise the values we share: Christian values of love, service and compassion that are lived out every day in our country by people all faiths and none," she said.
"Let us take pride in our Christian heritage and the confidence it gives us to ensure that in Britain you can practice your faith free from question or fear.
"So this Christmas, whatever our faith, let us come together confident and united in the values we share. And wherever you are at this special time of year, let me wish you all a very happy Christmas."
Mrs May also called for people to spare a thought for those facing "sickening persecution" around the world, notably the Rohingya Muslims.
Jeremy Corbyn meanwhile urged people to think about those who are "cut off and lonely" over the festive period, while calling on Britain to reflect its status as a "compassionate nation".
The Labour leader said: "We think about those who feel cut off and lonely. Many older citizens to whom we owe so much will be spending what should be a time of joy alone."
Mr Corbyn also offered his thoughts to those "living in nations like Yemen, Syria and Libya in fear of bombs and bullets, of injury and death".
He added: "None of this is inevitable. We pride ourselves on being a compassionate nation.
"My Christmas wish is that we all do more to help bring about the kind of society and world we want to live in."
Elsewhere Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to emergency service workers, for whom she said “Christmas isn't a holiday at all”.
In a direct message to frontline staff, the Scottish first minister said: "Your hard work is appreciated all the year round, but is particularly valued at Christmas time.
“So over this festive period, let's thank those who are working so hard on our behalf."
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