Political Christmas messages: David Cameron praises Christians while Ed Miliband thanks carers

David Cameron has lavished praise on Britain’s Christians in a starkly religious Christmas message, leading to Labour accusations of the Prime Minister trying to hijack Christmas to promote his own policies while ignoring tens of thousands of families going hungry because of welfare cuts.

Mr Cameron, who has previously said he follows a “fairly classic Church of England faith”, said the country’s practising Christians had helped build up his “big society".

He added: “Many of these people are Christians who live out to the letter that verse in Acts, that ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’.

“These people put their faith into action and we can all be grateful for what they do.”

He added that “2013 was a significant year for the Christian faith” because Justin Welby became the new Archbishop of Canterbury and Pope Francis was elected.

Mr Cameron says “both have come in with exciting plans to rejuvenate their respective churches, which should inspire Christians around the world”.

The PM also revealed that Christmas made him think about the holiday’s true meaning – “the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope that gives to millions”.

He said: “In Handel’s Messiah, these words from the Prophet Isaiah are brilliantly put to music: ‘His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace’.”

Mr Cameron added that the things he valued most were “family, friends and fellowship”.

Last night Labour slammed the speech.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Tom Blenkinsop said: “It is remarkably inappropriate for the Prime Minister to use his Christmas message to try and promote his failed Big Society pipe dream.

“It also sticks in the throat to hear him praise Christian charity while his own ministers refuse to meet the leaders of one of Britain’s fastest growing charities - the Trussell Trust - which runs hundreds of food banks.

“Charity is a good thing - but it should not be used to fill in the huge gaps in social support left by benefit cuts.

“Mr Cameron should reflect this Christmas why so many families will spend this winter relying on food banks just to eat, rather than lecturing us on the need to be more charitable.”

Labour leader Ed Miliband paid tribute to those people who would be spending time over the festive season caring for the lonely and the homeless in his Christmas message.

“As Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we should also take time to think of all those alone or suffering at this time of year,” he said.

“I would like to pay particular tribute to the many people, churches and charities who will be looking after those who are alone or homeless this Christmas time.

“We should also pay tribute to those who will be working so that the rest of us have an enjoyable break, especially our medical staff, our police and our armed forces, thank you for your service.”



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Great sentiments from Ed and a load of old guff, as per usual from Cameron.