Sir Keir Starmer has admitted “loss or hardship can feel even more acute” at Christmas just one year on from his brother’s death.

Nick Starmer, Sir Keir’s younger brother, died on Boxing Day last year following his battle with cancer.

The Prime Minister made several visits to see his brother in Leeds before he passed away at the age of 60.

In a candid admission about grief and loss, Sir Keir said in his Christmas message: “At this time of the year, which celebrates love and abundance, loss or hardship can feel even more acute.”

Sir Keir paid tribute to his brother following his death last year, hailing him as a “wonderful man” who “met all challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour”.

During his Christmas message, the Prime Minister also suggested Britons should check in on their vulnerable compatriots this festive season.

He said: “So, call around to a neighbour. Check in on a friend or a relative who you haven’t heard from for a while.”

“Reach out. It can make a huge difference. That is what Christmas is about.”

However, Sir Keir also delivered a direct message to the British people at the start of his Christmas message.

“I’d like to wish the whole country a very happy Christmas,” the Prime Minister said.

“Right now, all across the UK, people are travelling home to be with their loved ones.

“Children are bursting with excitement, families are making the final preparations, wrapping presents, hanging stockings, rushing out for last-minute bits. It’s a truly special time of year.

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“And it’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important: family, friends, community.”

Sir Keir’s message also touched on Britain’s history as a Christian nation, particularly its values of “peace, charity and goodwill”.

Echoing his first Christmas message as Prime Minister, Sir Keir yet again paid tribute to NHS staff and members of the armed forces.

“Just as so many put their feet up, some truly special people will be pulling on their uniforms and heading out to work,” he said.

“Our NHS staff emergency services and the brave men and women of our armed forces, all playing their part, doing their bit to care for the nation and to keep us safe.

“Many volunteers will be out there as well. Serving food, reaching out to help those lonely or in need.

“So on behalf of the whole country, I want to say a big thank you. As a nation, we should raise a glass to you this Christmas.”

Despite identifying the cost of living crisis as his “priority”, Sir Keir also made a surprising reference about British pubs.

He said: “Whether you’re at home this evening, heading to work, heading to church, or maybe heading to the pub, let’s look forward and celebrate the joy and hope that Christmas brings.”

Labour MPs have been banned from more than 1,000 pubs across the UK after Rachel Reeves clobbered small businesses with higher rates in her tax-hiking Budget.

Ex-Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson made one exception, admitting farming tax rebel Markus Campbell-Savours could still drink a pint at the Farmers’ Dog in the Cotswolds.

Concluding his message, Sir Keir said: “From my family to yours, to everyone in the United Kingdom, I hope you all have a very happy Christmas.”

However, Sir Keir delivers his message at a time when his support has plummeted in the opinion polls.

Labour remained at top spot last Christmas, opening up a four-point lead over Kemi Badenoch’s Tories.

However, Sir Keir now finds himself languishing in third, with Reform UK opening up double-digit leads over the past few months.

The Prime Minister’s personal ratings also continue to sink to new lows.

YouGov revealed earlier this month that Sir Keir’s net score stands at -54 per cent, with just 18 per cent of Britons holding a favourable view towards the Prime Minister.