In his first Christmas message to Londoners, the Mayor Sadiq Khan has thanked the emergency services and NHS staff who will be working over the festive period to keep the capital safe and well.
The video message, which includes festive scenes from Great Ormond Street Hospital, the ice rink at the National History Museum and the Mayor’s Carol Service at Southwark Cathedral is available on the Mayor’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
In it, Sadiq Khan says:
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
At this time of year, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, many of us are able to come together and spend precious time with our families, friends and loved ones.
As we look back at the year that has passed, and as the New Year comes into view, let’s look forward with hope and optimism.
But it’s also important that we take the time to spare a thought for those who may have lost loved ones this year, or, for whatever reason, may be alone or homeless this Christmas.
And let’s give thanks to those who are working over Christmas – like our police officers, firefighters, emergency service and NHS staff, who work so hard to help keep us safe and well.
Not just at this time of year but all year round.
This is the true spirit of Christmas - and the true spirit of London.
Our diversity and openness is our greatest strength.
We don’t just tolerate, but celebrate and respect each other.
We show that London Is Open.
Merry Christmas everyone and have a great 2017.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
The video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/njpCBFyr4-A