Armed Forces thanked for protecting UK and its allies over Christmas period

Some 19,000 Armed Forces personnel are ready to respond to threats to the UK and its allies this Christmas, sacrificing time with their family and friends to do so.

In the UK alone, 11,700 members of the three services will be held at readiness on Christmas Day to respond to physical threats to UK peace and prosperity and combat cyberattacks.

These include Royal Navy and RAF personnel keeping watch for provocative Russian activity in Britain's skies and seas, and soldiers from the Army's bomb disposal unit.

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The specialist troops, who will remain on call over Christmas to respond to emergency incidents, were thanked in person by Defence Secretary John Healey during a visit to Merville Barracks in Colchester.

He said: "To the thousands of Armed Forces personnel who will be deployed away from their loved ones this Christmas across the UK and overseas – thank you.

"Thank you from me, and thank you on behalf of a grateful nation. Your dedication and professionalism help to keep us all safe.

"And to all the forces families, especially those who will have an empty chair at the Christmas dinner table this year, thank you to you all for the support you give to our forces as they serve and protect the nation."

Those on duty over the festive period are among 30,000 personnel who will benefit from an extension to Christmas travel support, announced earlier this month by the Government.

It means more junior personnel will now be able to claim for their return journey home, making it even easier to reunite with friends and family.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the funding during a Christmas visit to airmen and airwomen at RAF Lossiemouth earlier this month.