News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

For many people Christmas is a time for relaxation, for catching up with friends and family.

But many won’t be getting a break.

Hospital staff for whom Christmas is as busy as any time of the year.

The firefighters on call, including those who recently helped save people and homes in communities like ­Cockermouth and Carlisle.

The police and our armed forces too.

And the many workers in low-paid industries who simply cannot afford to take leave over Christmas.

Read more:

Read more:

Bah humbug: We asked David Cameron to give us his message but he refused.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Christmas is also a time for reflection, and it is worth considering the ­poignancy of the Nativity story.

It is about offering shelter to a family in need and to those who find themselves ­ refugees fleeing evil.

Homelessness in Britain is rising, more children are in poverty and tens of thousands will spend this Christmas in temporary accommodation – a home that is not their own.

(Image: PA)

Globally there are more refugees today fleeing horror than at any time since the Second World War.

These are lives that are being held back, young people who are not getting the opportunities they should.

We should always be asking ourselves – all of us, not just politicians – whether we could do more for others.

(Image: PA)

In this way, the Christmas story holds up a mirror to us all. “Do unto others as you would have done to you” – that is the essence of my socialism, summed up in the word ­“solidarity”.

The concept of solidarity is about our unity – we succeed or fail together. Yet too often there are attempts to divide us, to scapegoat, rather than help, those in need.

Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

It is a similar maxim that inspired our party: “From each according to their means, to each according to their needs.”

May you enjoy a merry Christmas as we all reflect on how we create a better world in 2016.