Party leaders echo Queen's message of support for armed forces

Published on Wednesday 23 December 2009 21:26

THE Queen will pay tribute to Britain's armed forces in her Christmas message, a theme also taken up by Scotland's political leaders.

In her annual address, the Queen will urge the 54 Commonwealth countries, and their young people in particular, to keep on talking about the things that matter to all the group's states.

She will say: "It is important to keep discussing issues that concern us all – there can be no more valuable role for our family of nations."

The environment is an issue that has been high on the Commonwealth agenda.

At a gathering of leaders from member states last month, the Queen urged them to take a "lead" in the international response to climate change.

She will also give a voice to the young people of the Commonwealth, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

Commonwealth youth delegate Serene Koh, from Singapore, will appear in the broadcast and say of the institution: "It's a model of friendship that is very important in today's world."

The Queen will deliver her address – to be transmitted on television and radio at 3pm on tomorrow – from the white drawing room at Buckingham Palace.

Meanwhile, First Minister Alex Salmond has paid tribute to the emergency services in his Christmas message.

The SNP leader also highlighted the issues of the economy and the environment. He said: "We pay tribute to the dedicated staff of our emergency and armed services, who work tirelessly and serve over the holiday period, as they do the whole year round.

"Christmas is an opportunity to consider the past, as well as what the future holds, to spend valuable time with friends and loved ones, and to consider those less fortunate than ourselves."

Scotland must continue to support economic recovery at home and meet international commitments, as the focus switches to the new year, he said.

Mr Salmond added: "And as environmental issues become ever more pressing, Scotland's parliament united across the parties to pass a world-leading Climate Change Act. On behalf of the Scottish Government, I wish everyone a very merry Christmas."

Labour leader Iain Gray also paid tribute to Scotland's "unsung heroes" in his Christmas message, as well as praising troops serving in Afghanistan. Hailing the public service "heroes", he said: "These are the people who will keep our hospitals, ambulances and fire services running over the festive season and who will be policing our streets.

"Special thoughts must also go to the men and women serving in Afghanistan and their families back home."

On the political front, Mr Gray said: "Times have been tough and many Scots fear for their jobs or have lost them.

But this last year, Labour has shown we are on your side. Even in opposition in Holyrood we have worked hard to secure economic recovery, arguing for apprenticeships and for capital investment in schools and projects like the Glasgow Airport Rail Link."

He said Labour had taken "decisive" action in the banking crisis to stop the economy from collapsing, and would continue to support "hard-working families" and a first-class health service.

"Our core values are about creating a fairer society, where we look out for each other, protect the vulnerable, work towards ending child poverty and strive to create opportunity for everyone," said Mr Gray.

"I think these are values Scotland shares, and not just at Christmas," he added.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Tavish Scott, said his party was ending the year "strongly" and could look forward to 2010 with confidence.

He cited two local council by-election gains from the Tories, and "hundreds" of new recruits to the party.

"Our recruitment at universities has been record-breaking. We lead the debate on the campuses of Scotland," he claimed.

Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie also singled out those working in the emergency services and armed forces personnel in Afghanistan for praise.

She said: "We must not forget those who won't be able to be at home this Christmas. For example, the members of the emergency services who will be working over the festive period, whose selfless dedication is so crucial.

"I hope we can also take time to remember our brave servicemen serving in Afghanistan and those who have been injured or have fallen in service.

"They are doing an incredibly tough job, in horrendous conditions. They, too, should be in our thoughts."