Jeremy Corbyn hails the Good Samaritan in Christmas message as still 'necessary in a system that is failing'

Volunteers helping the hard up are stepping in 'to provide for people’s basic needs' where the state is absent, Labour leader says

Corbyn praises those who refuse to ‘walk by on the other side’ in the video for social media (Getty)

Jeremy Corbyn has hailed the parable of the Good Samaritan in his Christmas message, as controversy grows over the huge rise in homelessness and food banks.

Volunteers helping the hard up over the festive period will be doing “what’s become so necessary in a system that is failing to provide for people’s basic needs”, the Labour leader warns.

“These are people who will not 'walk by on the other side', says Mr Corbyn – who has declined to set out his religious beliefs – in a video to be spread on social media.

“They embody what’s best and most compassionate in all of us. They make me certain that we can build a fairer society which works for everyone.”

The message comes as Conservative ministers come under fire for refusing to accept any blame for the explosion in rough sleeping and its fatal consequences.

Official figures showed child homelessness at a 12-year high, with 123,600 minors in temporary accommodation in England – a 70 per cent rise since the Conservatives came into power

And nearly 600 homeless people died last year in England and Wales, it was revealed last week, a 24 per cent increase over the last five years.

In the clip, Mr Corbyn says: “At Christmas, I often think of the parable told by Jesus that moves me the most: The Good Samaritan. The story of a traveller, robbed and left for dead.

“Jesus said that some “walked by on the other side” but eventually a Samaritan stopped, tended to his wounds and offered him a bed for the night.

“I see the compassion of the Good Samaritan in people across our country everyday but especially at Christmas. Whether it’s people helping in homeless shelters offering comfort and meals for those looking to escape the freezing temperatures and dangers of sleeping rough.

“Those ensuring food banks are fully stocked for people who can’t afford to eat properly this Christmas. Or volunteers raising money for refugees who’ve been forced to flee war, oppression and devastation.

“These are people who will not “walk by on the other side”. They do what’s become so necessary in a system that is failing to provide for people’s basic needs.”

The choice of message will also revive memories of a controversial 1980 interview in which Margaret Thatcher claimed the famous parable for her own political beliefs.

The former Conservative prime minister said: “No-one would remember the Good Samaritan if he’d only had good intentions – he had money as well.”