Keir Starmer used his Christmas message to highlight the “very best of Britain” which has been on show in “every village, every town and every city” during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Labour leader personally thanked key workers, describing them as “our country’s rock” and acknowledged those, such as emergency service workers, NHS staff and carers, “will have to step up again, one more time, this Christmas.”

Keir Starmer also paid tribute to scientists developing vaccines and servicemen and women working on the Covid-19 response. Striking a note of optimism, he reminded the country the vaccine means “there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The message recognised the huge pain for families facing “an empty space around the Christmas table” and those spending Christmas alone this year.  To those who have lost loved ones this year, Keir Starmer said:“I know how difficult this period will be without them.”

Looking to the future, the Labour leader urges people to capture the spirit shown during this pandemic to “rebuild a better future for our country.”