May praises 'triumph of the human spirit' in her Easter message after a 'dark' year for Britain
- UK Prime Minister Theresa May uses Easter manager to praise "bravery of those facing adversity."
- "Britain has faced some dark moments," May says, including terror attacks in London and Manchester, and the Grenfell Tower blaze that claimed 71 lives.
LONDON - Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May used her Easter message to praise "the bravery of those facing adversity" after a year in which "Britain has faced some dark moments."
"Over the last year, Britain has faced some dark moments, from the terrorist attacks at Westminster Bridge and London Bridge, at Manchester Arena and Finsbury Park, and the fire at Grenfell Tower," the Prime Minister said in a statement.
Six people died in a terror attack on Westminster Bridge last March and 50 more were injured. Eight people died and 48 were injured when armed men attacked people on London Bridge and in Borough Market in June last year. 22 people, including some children, were killed and 59 wounded when a suicide bomber struck a concert by US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester last May. One person died and nine others were injured when a man drove a van into a crowd outside a mosque in Finsbury Park last June. 71 people died in a blaze at Grenfell Tower in Kensington last June.
May said in her Easter message: "I know from speaking to the victims and survivors of these terrible events how vital the love and support they have received from their friends, family and neighbours has been to them as they begin to rebuild their lives.
"In the bravery of those facing adversity, the dedication of our emergency services, and the generosity of local communities, we see the triumph of the human spirit."
May faced criticism for her handling of the Grenfell Tower blaze last June. The Prime Minister did not initially visit victims of the fire and rapper Stormzy used his performance at the Brits in February to accuse the PM of forgetting about those effect by the disaster.
May, who is the daughter of a vicar, said in her seasonal message on Sunday: "The Easter story contains an inspiring promise of new life and the triumph of hope."
Here's the Prime Minister's full message:
Easter is the most important time in the Christian calendar.
A time when we remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and give thanks for the promise of redemption afforded by his resurrection.
Over the last year, Britain has faced some dark moments, from the terrorist attacks at Westminster Bridge and London Bridge, at Manchester Arena and Finsbury Park, and the fire at Grenfell Tower.
I know from speaking to the victims and survivors of these terrible events how vital the love and support they have received from their friends, family and neighbours has been to them as they begin to rebuild their lives.
In the bravery of those facing adversity, the dedication of our emergency services, and the generosity of local communities, we see the triumph of the human spirit.
The Easter story contains an inspiring promise of new life and the triumph of hope.
For Christians around the world facing persecution, the message of the Cross and the resurrection help them to stand firm in their faith.
Here in Britain, Easter arrives with the coming of spring - a time of rebirth and renewal.
It is a chance for families to come together, to share a meal, to be outdoors and to enjoy the first stirring of nature after winter.
However you are spending this Easter, I hope that you have a happy and peaceful time.