Jeremy Corbyn has used his Christmas message to pay tribute to people who help rough sleepers, refugees and families in poverty.

In the Labour leader’s message, posted to his social media accounts today, he said people that emulate the biblical Good Samaritan ’embody what is best and most compassionate in all of us’.

His message comes a day after charity Crisis published a study showing that homelessness has reached a record-high, with more than 170,000 families and individuals experiencing destitution.

I'd like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. #ChristmasEve pic.twitter.com/s78KyZQcKT — Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) December 24, 2018

Corbyn draws on the parable from St Luke’s gospel to praise those who help people facing that dire situation because they do not ‘walk by on the other side’.




‘The compassion of the Good Samaritan in people across our country everyday but especially at Christmas,’ he says.

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‘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…

Corbyn thanked those who donate or volunteer at food banks (Picture: Getty)

He also thanks people who help rough sleepers a day after charity Crisis announced homelessness in the UK is at a record-high (Picture: Getty)

Corbyn said he sees the compassion of the Good Samaritan in those helping less fortunate people (Picture: Getty)

‘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.’

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