Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has directly addressed the ongoing financial pressures facing households across the nation in his official Christmas message for 2025. He acknowledged that hardship feels "even more acute" during the festive period, striking a sombre note against the traditional backdrop of celebration.
A Call for Community Amid Economic Strain
In a video address released on Christmas Eve, Sir Keir urged the British public to "reach out" to friends, relatives, and neighbours. He emphasised a collective responsibility, stating that "we should each do our bit" to support one another. The Labour leader's message focused heavily on community spirit as a counterbalance to economic difficulty.
"I know many across Britain are still struggling with the cost of living," Sir Keir said. "Helping with that is my priority." He encouraged simple acts of kindness, suggesting people call on a neighbour or check in on a friend who may be isolated.
Gratitude for Key Workers and a Challenging Economic Backdrop
The Prime Minister extended heartfelt thanks to those working over the holidays, including NHS staff, emergency services personnel, and armed forces members. He also paid tribute to volunteers serving food and aiding those in need.
This message of solidarity comes at the end of a tough year for the government, marked by limited progress on its economic growth plans. The timing is significant, as the Bank of England recently warned that growth is expected to stagnate in the final quarter of 2025, continuing a downward trend seen throughout the year. Consumer confidence has remained low in the approach to Christmas, weighed down by persistent cost-of-living pressures.
Political Reflections: Opposition and Tradition
Meanwhile, other political leaders issued their own seasonal reflections. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who marked her first year as Opposition leader without a formal challenge, described the period as "the biggest challenge of my life." Her message followed a government announcement to raise the inheritance tax relief threshold for farmers from £1 million to £2.5 million, a policy change prompted by sector protests.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey used his message to defend the much-criticised Norwegian spruce Christmas tree in London, a gift from Oslo. He highlighted its symbolism of wartime solidarity and drew parallels with current support for Ukraine.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage shared images of himself making "Christmas deliveries in Clacton" on Tuesday 23 December.
Sir Keir's address, set against the backdrop of a challenging economic forecast, underscores the government's focus on the nation's financial well-being as it heads into the new year.
