Rishi Sunak thanks public servants with surprise Christmas calls
Image credit: BBC
Across the holiday season, Rishi Sunak called public officials all over the world personally to thank them for their work.
Instead of delivering the customary address to the country, the PM called representatives of Pakistan, Somalia, the UK, the Royal Navy, and a childcare facility.
Mr. Sunak expressed his gratitude for their “sacrifice” during the holiday season.
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of Labour, praised the Ukrainian people and those who were working during Christmas in his letter.
Chris Mitchell, the director of the government-funded holiday activities and food programme Smart Play in Barnet, north London, was the person Mr. Sunak communicated with in the UK.
The UK ambassador to Ukraine, Svita Yavorska, was also contacted by the prime minister. She explained to Mr. Sunak how she had escaped to Poland after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, working to establish a temporary base there before going back to the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.
Speaking with diplomat Nic Guffog, headquartered in Mogadishu, Mr. Sunak learned that personnel at the British embassy were living in containers under the fear of terrorist attacks while assisting the Somalian government in fighting the Al-Shabaab militant group and resolving the country’s famine problem.
A few members of the HMS Protector crew who are now stationed off the Antarctic coast of the South Sandwich Islands were also addressed by him.
It happens as a wave of industrial action sweeps the UK, including actions by NHS and Border Force employees, with the military filling in for the striking workers.
Even though Mr. Sunak did not record a Christmas greeting to be aired in the UK, he did make a statement.
I want you to know that I am sincerely appreciative of your effort, whether you are working this Christmas in Milton Keynes or Mogadishu. Mr. Sunak added.
Additionally, Mr. Sunak posted a little video to the Ukrainian people with the message, “This Christmas, we’re with you.”
Additionally, the prime minister and the British people were thanked by the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, in a Christmas tweet. He expressed gratitude for their support and the “warmth of your hearts.”