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Prime Minister David Cameron, April 2014
UK News

Prime Minister "proud" of Britain's Christian values

David Cameron acknowledged Christmas was "an important time of year for the Christian faith", and thanked the armed forces, NHS staff, aid workers and the emergency services. He also acknowledged the church's role in welcoming people this Christmas.

He said: "Among the joyous celebrations we will reflect on those very Christian values of giving, sharing and taking care of others.

"This Christmas I think we can be very proud as a country of how we honour these values through helping those in need at home and around the world."

"Across the country volunteers and workers from charities and other organisations will drop-in on the vulnerable and elderly so they are not isolated this Christmas.

"And thousands of churches, whether in the smallest village or the biggest city, will welcome people of faith and none to give thanks and celebrate together.

"So this Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Christ with friends, family and neighbours, let us think about those in need at home and overseas, and of those extraordinary professionals and volunteers who help them."

Meanwhile, in his message, Labour's Ed Miliband urged voters to choose "generosity and inclusion" in the looming election battle next year.

Mr Miliband who says he does "not believe in God personally," recalled the famous truce observed by soldiers in the trenches on Christmas Day 1914.

"One hundred years ago soldiers on the western front stopped their hostilities to cross no man's land, to shake hands and – famously – to play football. In the midst of a tragic conflict the generosity, hope and sense of human solidarity that is characteristic of the Christian faith and culture came to the fore. What an extraordinary and unexpected event," he said.

"We need the same sense of compassion in the face of the suffering and hatred that afflicts parts of our world. And especially in the Middle East, the cradle of Christianity. Let us remember those caught up in fighting and in fear of their lives.

"I am proud that the Labour movement has such deep roots in the Christian tradition of social activism and solidarity in the United Kingdom. This Christmas, I want to pay tribute to all who spend time, effort and skill in serving the needs of their fellow citizens in a voluntary and professional capacity.

"Our country faces a choice next year. Let's choose generosity and inclusion. I hope you have a very merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year."

The Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, also an atheist, based his message on a similar theme, by invoking the Christmas truce.

"This Christmas and beyond, we can each do our bit to help secure the fairer, more peaceful world that the soldiers in 1914 longed for and our children deserve: reaching out to those people – wherever they may be – who feel isolated, who are caught up in conflict or who need our help,", he said.

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