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Jeremy Corbyn has paid tribute to those who help homeless people, refugees and families in poverty in his Christmas message.

In a video posted on social media, the Labour leader drew on the parable from St Luke's gospel to praise those who help the nation's destitute, saying they are people who will not "walk by on the other side".

His emphasis on those who help homeless people and refugees came after charity Crisis published a study on Sunday showing homelessness had reached a record high, with more than 170,000 families and individuals experiencing destitution.

Mr Corbyn said during the festive period he saw "the compassion of the Good Samaritan in people across our country everyday but especially at Christmas".

He added: "Whether it's people helping in homeless shelters offering comfort and meals for those looking to escape the freezing temperatures and dangers of sleeping rough...

"Those ensuring food banks are fully stocked for people who can't afford to eat properly this Christmas...

"Or volunteers raising money for refugees who've been forced to flee war, oppression and devastation...

"These are people who will not 'walk by on the other side'.

"They do what's become so necessary in a system that is failing to provide for people's basic needs.

"They embody what's best and most compassionate in all of us.

"They make me certain that we can build a fairer society which works for everyone."

In his Christmas message, the Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable highlighted the cost of rising knife crime and gang culture.

"For some families this will not be a great Christmas," he said.

"Across our country hundreds of families will be sitting down to a Christmas without someone.

"Someone young who had a future ahead of them. Someone taken from us by the knives of the growing gang culture, mostly boys and mostly from the poorest areas of our big cities."

Meanwhile, London mayor Sadiq Khan spoke of efforts to tackle the "shameful" levels of rough sleeping in the capital.

"Our Christian communities, guided by their faith and values, are often at the forefront at this time of year when it comes to highlighting - and helping - those in need," he said.

"Their actions - putting into practice the values of kindness, love and generosity - never cease to inspire me."