British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprised diplomats, military personnel, charity workers and other public servants at Christmas by even calling them to personally thank them for their sacrifice and dedication in an “extraordinary” year. Among the people called was Sherwan Asif, who has worked for the British High Commission in Islamabad for more than 12 years, Downing Street said in a statement.
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Sherwan Asif was at the forefront of the UK’s response to the devastating floods that ravaged the country in June, the Downing Street statement added.
“Whether you are working in Mogadishu or Milton Keynes this Christmas, I want you to know that I am personally grateful for your sacrifice,” Rishi Sunak said.
“This year has been extraordinary for many reasons, but most of all, it has been a year where the true spirit and resilience of the UK has been on show, from the support given to our Ukrainian friends to the work being done to ensure that essential aid reaches the most vulnerable abroad,” he further said.
“And closer to home, those who have been keeping up with friends and neighbors, volunteers, public servants and essential service personnel who worked over Christmas: I am truly humbled by your dedication and know that your selflessness this holiday season will spread joy across the country. he added.
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Rishi Sunak also made calls to diplomats in Somalia and Ukraine, as well as a Royal Navy ship sailing in Antarctica. In the UK, Rishi Sunak surprised Chris Mitchell, who runs Smart Play, an award-winning, government-funded Christmas food and activity program in London.
Rishi Sunak also spoke to some of the crew of HMS Protector, which is currently deployed off the coast of the South Sandwich Islands, Downing Street reported.
