Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have thanked the armed forces and NHS staff for their work in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic in their Christmas messages.
In his Christmas message, Sir Keir Starmer said the pandemic had shown the values of 'generosity and kindness' in abundance, paying tribute to key workers, servicemen and women, and scientists who discovered a vaccine.
Speaking via video call with troops stationed in Mali, Estonia, Somalia, Afghanistan and the UK, Mr Johnson said they represented 'the very best of our country', thanking them for building Nightingale hospitals, delivering PPE, testing and leading the vaccination effort.
Sir Keir acknowledged the difficulties many families face with 'an empty space around the Christmas table' this year, but said there was 'light at the end of the tunnel' and urged people to capture the crisis spirit to rebuild a better future.
Mr Johnson also thanked the armed forces for their sacrifice and effort, saying they were bringing 'hope and encouragement to the entire country'.
