UK leaders extend Ramadan greetings to Muslims

Top UK officials on Friday greeted Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

“At this time of year I want to say Ramadan Mubarak to Muslims at home and across the world who are beginning the holy month,” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a tweet.

"This Ramadan will be particularly challenging, but the values of compassion, charity and sacrifice are more important now than ever before."

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock thanked Muslims for "making major changes to the vital parts of practice" during "a month that is so special for so many people."

"As we enter Ramadan, many Muslims won’t be sharing the joy of this month as they normally do in light of coronavirus. Thank you for staying home," he said in a tweet.

He also thanked Muslims in the UK for their "service, citizenship and sacrifice" in the country’s fight against COVID-19.

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, wished Muslims a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.

"To everyone welcoming in the month of Ramadan, Ramadan Mubarak. I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the Muslims working in our NHS [National Health Service], our care service and everywhere on the front line of our fight against coronavirus. Thank you for keeping us safe," he said in a tweet along with a video message.

"Ramadan brings out common qualities that we have; of compassion, of sharing, of supporting each other, qualities we need more than ever just at this time."