Sunak and Starmer issue Easter messages with eye on upcoming election

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Rishi Sunak mentioned Easter is a time to “pause and reflect” whereas Labour chief Keir Starmer mentioned it was a time of “optimism and new beginnings”.

The Easter messages issued by the celebration leaders come simply weeks earlier than a set of native polls on 2 May which might give an early indication of Tory and Labour prospects on the normal election.

Mr Starmer, who hopes to be in No 10 by the tip of the yr, used his message to say that individuals would use Easter to consider “our future and how things can change for the better”.

“The Easter story is one of hope and renewal, of overcoming adversity and light prevailing over darkness,” he mentioned.

“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.

“Faith is really important. 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.”

Meanwhile, the prime minister praised the work of Christians in communities throughout the UK and mentioned individuals would even be “thinking of those in pain and suffering around the world”.

“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,” he mentioned.

“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.”