Prime Minister Keir Starmer has directly addressed the nation's ongoing financial strain, using his Christmas message to urge the public to support one another during a period of acute economic difficulty.
A Call for Community Amid Hardship
In a video recording released on Wednesday 24 December 2025, the Prime Minister acknowledged that many people across the UK are "still struggling with the cost of living." He stated that the festive season, which celebrates love and abundance, can make feelings of loss or hardship feel even more sharp.
Starmer encouraged everyone to "reach out" and "do our bit" by making simple gestures of support. "Call around to a neighbour, check in on a friend or a relative who you haven’t heard from for a while," he said, framing community action as a vital response to widespread economic pressure.
Economic Headwinds Cast a Shadow
The Prime Minister's empathetic message arrives at the close of a turbulent year for the government and against a backdrop of worrying economic signals. On Monday, official growth figures for the UK economy were revised downwards, revealing that expansion in the second quarter was weaker than first estimated.
This has led to critical warnings about the "spectre of recession" looming over the country. Economic growth is reported to have stalled in the second half of 2025, with expectations that it will wane further in the new year.
The impact is being felt starkly in the capital, where the high cost of living is driving most young Londoners to consider leaving the city.
Tribute to Holiday Workers and Volunteers
Alongside his call to the public, Starmer paid tribute to those who will be working over the Christmas period. He specifically thanked NHS staff, emergency service workers, and armed forces personnel for their service.
"Many volunteers will be out there as well. Serving food. Reaching out to help those lonely or in need," he added. "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."
In contrast, the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, struck a more personal tone in her own Christmas message. She said she would be reflecting on motherhood and her three children, and thanked those who had supported her during her "biggest challenge" – her first year as party leader.
