Despite being an outspoken atheist, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer enthusiastically praised the work of Christian communities in a Christmas speech. The UK Prime Minister highlighted the role they play in both celebrations and times of grief. He specifically shared an anecdote about how his mother’s church supported the family through an illness.
“It wasn’t just because they were nice people – they were people of deep faith, that brought real light into dark days,” he said of the Church. He also delivered more general remarks about the Advent season: “It reminds me that the Church is not only there in moments of celebration but for many in times of darkness and difficulty as well.”
He drew a connection between the commitment churches have to service and his aspire to govern. “When I stood on the steps of Downing Street six months ago, I said that I wanted to be part of a government of service,” he explained. Starmer also drew attention to how faith communities can mend a frayed social fabric. This is particularly relevant after the riots that shook the island nation earlier this year.
“Churches across the country have long been seeking to mend those deep and painful fractures in our societies. They’ve been having the difficult conversations and doing the hard work of reconciling divided communities for many years,” the Prime Minister announced. The Church of England has been at the center of a firestorm of controversy after allegations surfaced detailing years of abuse.
Earlier in the year, Starmer hosted an event at 10 Downing Street to explore collaboration between the Labour government and Churches. He thanked Christians for their work in promoting social cohesion, repairing trust, and advocating for mental health. The Prime Minister drew inspiration from the Christmas story to work towards a more compassionate society.
“To the churches and the Christian community I say, thank you, for all that you have done, all that you are doing in this season, and all that you will do in the years to come,” Starmer said. He ended his remarks by wishing the crowd a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. However, the Labour Leader has not always had a smooth relationship with Christians.
The Prime Minister is a public atheist. “I am not of faith, I don’t believe in God — but I can see the power of faith and the way it brings people together,” he said in a 2021 interview with The Sunday Times. He is not alone, only one of his cabinet members attends church. Specifically many Church leaders have expressed dismay with Starmer’s support of euthanasia.
Starmer is unbothered by their criticism. While he sees the value in religious ritual, he makes no pretense that biblical values affect his policy. The Prime Minister has also made comments in support of other religious groups. “Although neither Keir nor his wife have religious beliefs, they sometimes attend synagogue in a nod to her Jewish background. He says it’s one of the ways he has learned to respect people of faith in all its different forms” says Tom Baldwin in a recent biography.