Sir Keir Starmer: 'Often away from your own families, you put us first, protecting ours'

Sir Keir Starmer has wished British Armed Forces personnel "a very Merry Christmas" and thanked them for making "our world a safer place".

The Labour Party leader said "Britain's service personnel are the best in the world", which was "evident" during the UK's evacuation of Afghanistan.

"Your dedication to our country has been so valiantly shown during the past year and throughout the whole pandemic," he said.
 

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"Often away from your own families, you put us first, protecting ours. We thank you."

Sir Keir also thanked military veterans "who, despite leaving active service, are always part of the Armed Forces family".

"The Labour Party will always stand with you," he said.

"On behalf of all of us, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year."