Rishi Sunak shares Easter message paying tribute to ‘amazing work of churches and Christian communities’ across the UK

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THE Prime Minister has shared an Easter message to the nation – paying tribute to the churches and Christian communities across the UK.

Rishi Sunak wished Brits a Happy Easter from Downing Street this morning, saying the festive weekend was a time to reflect.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent an Easter message to the nation today

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer shared a message, too

Opposition leader Keir Starmer also sent the country a message and said he was turning his thoughts to “new beginnings, our future and how things can change for the better”.

The PM shared the short speech online, thanking Christians for their “incredible work”.

He said: “Happy Easter everyone. This weekend, as people come together to celebrate and reflect on the message at the heart of the Easter festival, I want to pay tribute to the incredible work of Christians in this country.

“To the churches, charities, volunteers and fundraisers who live the Christian values of compassion, charity and self-sacrifice, supporting those in need and demonstrating what it means to ‘love thy neighbour’.”

Mr Sunak said he was also thinking about Christians across the world who had been “persecuted because of their faith”.

He continued, wishing Brits a peaceful weekend: “For many of us in the UK, Easter is a chance to pause and reflect, and an opportunity to spend some precious time with our families and a moment to enjoy the start of spring.

“So this weekend, let me wish you all a very happy and peaceful Easter.”

The Labour Party leader also sent his wishes to the nation.

Mr Starmer said: “The Easter story is one of hope and renewal, of overcoming adversity and light prevailing over darkness.

“As families and friends gather to celebrate the holiday we turn our thoughts towards new beginnings, our future and how things can change for the better.”

He emphasised the importance of faith, saying: “It’s a place where people can invest a lot of themselves and find comfort, hope and a sense of security.

“This Easter I’d like to express my gratitude to the Christian community in the UK and beyond, for their generosity and compassion.

“At this time of optimism and new beginnings, I thank them for everything they do, and wish you all those celebrating a very happy Easter.”

It comes as King Charles today attended his first major public event since revealing he had been diagnosed with cancer.

The monarch, 75, joined Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family for the annual Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle this morning.

He smiled and waved to well-wishers as he made his way into the service.

For many of us in the UK, Easter is a chance to pause and reflect, and an opportunity to spend some precious time with our families and a moment to enjoy the start of spring.

Rishi SunakPrime Minister

One person shouted “Happy Easter”, to which Charles gestured with his arm and responded: “And to you.”

Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson arrived at the chapel a few moments before the King and Queen.

The Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence also made an appearance, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Among those gathered to watch the royal arrivals at Windsor was Anne Daley, from Cardiff, who held up a Welsh flag when the King appeared.

The 65-year-old said: “Did you see the smile (Charles) gave me? He pointed at my flag.”

She added: “He had a lovely smile. He looked well. I think he was happy that we’ve all come.”

The King’s attendance at church will be seen as a move to “reassure the public” after the shock news about his daughter-in-law.

But the service is a smaller version of the annual gathering, with fewer members of the royal family, as the King has paused public-facing duties while he continues treatment for cancer himself.

The King was applauded by members of the public as he left St George’s Chapel.

The service concluded at around 11.45am before Charles and the Queen re-emerged from the chapel to cries of “Happy Easter”.

PM’s speech in full

Happy Easter everyone. This weekend, as people come together to celebrate and reflect on the message at the heart of the Easter festival, I want to pay tribute to the incredible work of Christians in this country.

To the churches, charities, volunteers and fundraisers who live the Christian values of compassion, charity and self-sacrifice, supporting those in need and demonstrating what it means to “love thy neighbour”.

Many, I know, will also be thinking of those in pain and suffering around the world and Christians, persecuted because of their faith, who are unable to celebrate Easter freely. 

For many of us in the UK, Easter is a chance to pause and reflect, and an opportunity to spend some precious time with our families and a moment to enjoy the start of spring.

So this weekend, let me wish you all a very happy and peaceful Easter.

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