British Workplaces Accused of ‘Erasing Christmas’: HSBC Bans Festive Jumpers, DVLA Scraps Staff Dinners

British workplaces are facing accusations of “erasing Christmas” as traditional festive celebrations are scaled back, with major institutions like HSBC and the DVLA sidelining seasonal cheer in favour of professionalism and fiscal restraint.

At HSBC branches across the UK, staff in customer-facing roles have been barred from wearing Christmas jumpers this year, following complaints that festive attire like “Ho Ho Ho” outfits undermined expectations of seriousness.

An HSBC spokesman explained: “We are encouraging colleagues to celebrate Christmas in branches in lots of different ways, including decorating branches, team celebrations and festive lunches. However, it’s important to also remember that branches are spaces where customers receive a range of specialist services that require professionalism and sensitivity. This year, we have asked colleagues in customer-facing roles not to wear Christmas jumpers to reflect this.”

Meanwhile, the DVLA has cancelled its annual free Christmas dinner vouchers for staff at its Swansea headquarters, citing the need for “responsible use of taxpayers’ money” and principles of “fairness and consistency.”

A leaked email to employees stated: “A voucher solely for Christmas is not permitted… Vouchers previously issued for team Christmas lunches are no longer available for this reason.”

A DVLA spokesman responded: “We offer a competitive salary with a special performance bonus scheme which includes vouchers. The rewards scheme for staff is part of a civil-service wide recognition scheme and we follow HM Treasury’s pay remit guidance.”

Dr Philip Kiszely, senior fellow at the New Culture Forum think tank, blamed the trend on “extremely aggressive woke activists,” telling The Telegraph: “The sidelining and erasing of Christmas has been happening for a while, but I do think it is gathering pace. There are a handful of activists, in and outside companies, who complain and the companies or organisations cave immediately… It’s a tiny proportion of the public who really dislike Britain, the west, and Christianity.”

Hamas Operative’ in London Chairs Group Behind Major Pro-Palestine Protests and Works as TV Presenter

A 64-year-old Palestinian activist accused by Israel and a UK MP of being a senior Hamas operative is chairing an organisation involved in coordinating large-scale pro-Palestine demonstrations in London while working as a presenter on an Arabic-language television channel.

Zaher Birawi, originally from the West Bank, leads the Palestine Forum in Britain (PFB), one of six groups in the Palestine Coalition that has organised at least 20 major rallies in central London throughout 2025.

In October 2023, Labour MP Christian Wakeford used parliamentary privilege to name Birawi as one of four “senior Hamas operatives” active in the UK, warning that their presence posed a “serious national security risk” given Hamas’s proscription as a terrorist organisation since 2021.

Israel has designated Birawi as a “high-ranking, well-known Hamas operative,” citing his involvement in Gaza flotilla activism and ties to Hamas figures.

Birawi has denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded, and has opposed the UK’s ban on Hamas, arguing it excludes key Palestinian voices from peace efforts.

In addition to his role at the PFB, Birawi presents on an Arabic-language satellite channel based in London. He was photographed in 2012 alongside Ismail Haniyeh, the late Hamas political leader assassinated in Tehran in 2024, and has shared content marking Hamas milestones.

At a recent Palestine Festival in London, Birawi stated: “The essence of the battle is not decided in the corridors of biased politics, but rather it lies in the resilience of men and women who refuse to be broken. The people realised that rights are seized, not begged for, and the homeland will not be retrieved by waiting.”

Another figure named by Wakeford, Ziad El Aloul—with past leadership ties to the PFB—has been photographed marching alongside former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. On October 7, 2023, El Aloul shared Hamas footage celebrating the attacks “by land, air and sea,” along with images of militants in Israeli communities.

The PFB’s current vice-chairman, Adnan Hmidan, has reportedly referred to the October 7 attacks as a “normal situation” and expressed admiration for Hamas founder Ahmed Yassin.

These revelations highlight ongoing concerns over alleged Hamas-linked networks influencing pro-Palestine activism in the UK.

‘What’s the Point?’ Tom Harwood Blasts French ‘Pushback’ Policy Limited to Empty Migrant Boats

EU Accused of Funding ‘Revisionist’ Qur’an Project That Whitewashes Islam’s Role in European History

Bible scholar and Middle East Forum journalist Dr. Jules Gomes has accused the European Union of funding projects that he claims are facilitating an “Islamist takeover of Europe” by promoting a revisionist view of history.
In an interview with GB News, Gomes criticized the EU’s allocation of substantial funds to initiatives and networks across the bloc, with particular focus on a major research project receiving nearly €10 million.
He highlighted the “European Qur’an” (EuQu) project, funded by the European Research Council under the EU’s Horizon program, which examines the historical role of the Qur’an in European culture and religion from 1150 to 1850.
Gomes told GB News: “The money is coming directly from the European Commission, which is the primary executive body of the European Union.
“This is a project that seeks to portray the Koran as one of the foundational pillars of Western civilisation, along with the Bible. Now, the project is going to be theologically, historically and ideologically revisionist.
“And basically, whitewash the problems with Islam and the problem with fundamentalist or militant political Islamic ideology.”1.8sFast36 sources

Patriots Defy Smears to Sing Carols and Put Christ Back in Christmas

Patriots Defy Smears to Sing Carols and Put Christ Back in Christmas Crowds of around one thousand everyday Brits filled central London last Saturday, December thirteen, for Tommy Robinson’s Putting Christ Back into Christmas carol service—just yards from Downing Street. Hymns like Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful rang out under leaden skies, with families holding candles and Bibles, reclaiming what many see as their fading Christian roots. No fights, no arrests—just pure, unfiltered patriotism. Tommy, fresh out after his prison stint, kicked things off with heartfelt Bible verses, saying faith kept him strong behind bars. Attendees told Patriot News it felt like real Britain again—not the watered-down, multicultural mush the establishment pushes. But guess who couldn’t stomach it? Stand Up To Racism, predictably, whipped up a counter-protest nearby, dragging in singer Billy Bragg to belt out anti-far-right anthems. Their flyers screamed racist extremism, yet the only thing extreme was their overreaction to people singing carols. Even Church of England leaders jumped in, dropping videos online urging Christmas is for all while finger-wagging at weaponising faith—like defending traditions is suddenly dangerous. Robinson’s crowd was smaller than his massive summer marches, but the vibe? Electric. One mum told us, We’re done apologising for loving our country and our God. It’s classic: when Brits stand up for borders, culture, or Christmas itself, lefty outfits like Stand Up To Racism slap on the hate labels to silence us. They’re not fighting racism—they’re fighting real patriots who want Britain to stay Britain. Time to keep singing louder.