Head of British Army thanks soldiers giving up Christmas to cover strikes
The Chief of the General Staff has paid tribute to soldiers working over Christmas amid public sector strikes.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, in his first Christmas speech as head of the Army, said he was "enormously grateful for the sacrifice" that these soldiers and their families have made.
He added that they "represent the true strength of our Army and our nation".
General Sir Patrick Sanders said: "I know that this Christmas there will be some of you separated from your loved ones and your families.
"That yours will be an empty chair at the Christmas table. I'm enormously grateful for the sacrifice that you and your families have made."
British Army veteran and European Space Agency astronaut Major Tim Peake praised the efficiency of the military personnel who have stepped in at airports across the UK to replace striking Border Force workers.
The astronaut shared on Twitter that he "couldn't be more proud of our military".
He added: "Just come through Gatwick Airport, thank you to our service personnel for doing a superb job – no delays #workingchristmas".
This month the Government is having to rely on hundreds of Armed Forces personnel to stand in for Border Force officers at airports during eight days of strikes, as well as covering for ambulance drivers and firefighters.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, thanked troops caught up in the "unusual circumstances" of industrial action.
Military cover for striking workers in a number of sectors was discussed at a Government emergency Cobra meeting this month.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, in his statement, also reflected on the military's involvement with two momentous occasions involving the late Queen Elizabeth II, he highlighted "the hard work you've put in over the last 12 months".
He said: "We had the privilege of sharing in the joy of her late majesty's Platinum Jubilee and the solemn duty of escorting her on her final journey."
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