In message from No10, Prime Minister Keir Starmer pays tribute to those who will be putting on their uniform, or reaching out to those in need, over the Christmas period

Keir Starmer has said the nation should raise a glass to NHS staff, volunteers and members of the armed forces heading out to work this Christmas.

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In his Christmas message from No10 – being aired today – the Prime Minister paid tribute to those who will be putting on their uniform, or reaching out to those in need. He said: “Just as so many put their feet up, some truly special people will be pulling on their uniforms and heading out to work.

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“Our NHS staff, emergency services and the brave men and women of our armed forces all playing their part, doing their bit to care for the nation and to keep us safe. Many volunteers will be out there as well. Serving food. Reaching out to help those lonely or in need. So on behalf of the whole country, I want to say a big thank you. As a nation, we should raise a glass to you this Christmas.”

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Mr Starmer also acknowledged people’s ongoing struggles with the cost of living – promising it is his government’s “priority” to tackle the issue. He said: “At this time of the year, which celebrates love and abundance, loss or hardship can feel even more acute.

“So call around to a neighbour. Check in on a friend or a relative who you haven’t heard from for a while. Reach out. It can make a huge difference. That is what Christmas is about.”

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It comes after the Prime Minister and his wife, Victoria, recently invited 93 public sector workers to Downing Street for an early Christmas dinner to say thank you. Writing on his Substack account earlier this week, Mr Starmer said their families also joined for “a sit down feast with their loved ones, who they may not get to see on Christmas Day”.

He said: “We laid out 17 tables in a single-run through the first floor, decorated with 10 table runners, 60 miniature Christmas trees, 70 tea lights, a Christmas cracker for each person, and 93 hand-written place cards.”

They included Zoe Lucas, a staff nurse on a Neurosurgery Ward at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, who has previously fundraised for the hospitals. Another person at the table was Detective Sergeant Stacey Bailey, who was nominated earlier in the year for British Association for Women in Policing Leadership Award.

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Research published by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) today also shows around 1.2million people – including care, nurses and retail staff – will be working on Christmas Day. General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “For many of us, Christmas Day is a special time to spend with our nearest and dearest.

“So, we should all spare a thought for the people who will be hard at work, while we’re opening our presents, tucking into the turkey and relaxing with our families. Let’s stop and pay thanks to all those who keep the services we rely upon running during the Christmas break.”

Mr Nowak also said the government’s Employment Rights Bill, which recently became law, is the “perfect Christmas present” for many working over the festive break. Many of the legislation’s measures – including rights to day one sick pay and a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts – are expected to come into force in April 2026.

The TUC chief said: “Many working on Christmas Day will be on zero-hours contracts – especially in sectors like social care and hospitality. But when the Employment Rights Act comes into force, exploitative zero-hours contracts should be consigned to history.”

He added: “This is the perfect Christmas present for millions of workers up and down the country, including those working today, who will now enjoy more security, better pay and dignity at work.”