In an exclusive interview with Premier Christian News, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the importance of Christian values in the UK and the gap the Church fills in society where the government falls short.
He was speaking to Premier after a Downing Street reception honouring around 100 church volunteers for the vital work they carry out in their communities.
He said their work highlighted the importance of Christian values today, describing faith as a “north star” during times of insecurity and crisis for many.
Faith as a “north star” in uncertain times
“I think they're [Christian values] really important for two reasons, one, because that sense of looking after other people, not seeing anybody as a lost soul, and working to ensure that we support and get the best out of everybody,” he said.
“The second thing I'd say is we are living in a period of, certainly across the world, greater conflict and instability than we've known for a very long time. In our own country, there's still a cost-of-living crisis that is bearing down on people.
“In times when people feel insecure, and I think they do at the moment, faith is really important, it's like a north star. And I've seen this so many times, where in moments of insecurity, people reach for faith as a sort of still set of values, if you like, or a sort of a solid point that they can understand and that it gives them reassurance. So, I think in that respect, it's really important as well.”
Starmer: Church volunteers represent “the true Britain”
He praised church volunteers as representing “the true Britain,” that is kind and compassionate. Starmer highlighted how crucial this is as the UK is challenged by those trying to bring division into society.
“I think this is more important this year, than in previous years,” he said. “I feel very strongly that there are some who are trying to divide our societies and spread a sense of separateness and pulling people apart.
“I have long argued, and passionately believe, that as a people in Britain, we are compassionate, we are reasonable, we live and let live. And if we're given half the chance, we do like to look after each other and look out for each other.
“I see this in so many respects, the volunteering that goes on all year round, and it can take very many different shapes and forms. It might be helping local sports on a Saturday morning, helping a club, and providing company to people.
“For me, the church volunteers this Christmas are doing us all proud in terms of their input, but they're also telling a story about who we are as a country, and I think that's really important. We need to keep on telling that story. They are the true Britain, and I passionately believe that, and that is under challenge in a way that I don't think it has been in the past.”
Government pledges closer partnership with churches
The Prime Minister said the government is committed to supporting churches in their work to fill the gap.
“We should be saying not just ‘thank you’ to church volunteers, but how do we partner with you? How do we capture what you're doing and play our full part in supporting you and championing what you're doing? So, I do think there's the opportunity to take this on.
“It shouldn't be a just a Christmas period, and it isn't for most church volunteers, most of them will be putting in all year round. It's just a special emphasis at Christmas.
“So, we need to support them in that and the government, needs to play its part. The government needs to say, we share your values, we share what you're trying to achieve, and that is who we are as a country.”
Starmer shares his family Christmas plans
Looking ahead to Christmas Day, the Prime Minister revealed what his plans are, which mirror what many Christians across the UK will be doing.
“Well, the plans, firstly, it'll be a great time to spend with my family, which is really nice. So it'll be Vic, my wife and our two kids. Vic's dad…and then Vic's sister, her partner, and their little girl. And so, we will all get together, and we've got our former neighbour as well in Kentish town, who's coming to join us with her two children. So, it's going to be a nice gathering of people,”
He said he welcomed a Christmas Day where political talk is usually kept at the very minimum and starts with attending a church service.
“We will start opening presents, because that's what children do very early in the day, we will go to church on Christmas morning, probably go for a walk, listen to the King's speech, and do all the other things that families across the country are doing.
“It is probably one of the only times of the year when there is that moment of pause and reflection and peace, and so I'm touching wood and crossing my fingers that that's exactly how it will be on Christmas Day.”
But one tradition that he insists he will never take part in is wearing a festive jumper.
“The only thing you won't get is me wearing a Christmas jumper,” he said. “I don't wear Christmas jumpers. Never have. My family never managed to get me in a Christmas jumper. The work team here tried to get me in a Christmas jumper yesterday… but it wasn't happening.”
You can listen to the full interview here:
