Ed Davey blasts ‘right-wing conspiracy theory trolls’ as Lib Dem leader delivers Christmas message

The large spruce, which sparked a mixed reaction on social media, has been supplied by Norway as part of a tradition dating back to 1947.

Norway started sending the Oslo Christmas tree, which will remain in place until January 5, as a mark of gratitude for Britain’s efforts to liberate the Scandinavian country from the Nazis in World War.

In his Christmas message recorded at Trafalgar Square, Sir Ed said: “Now, this Christmas tree behind me gets a lot of abuse every year.

“The social media trolls who spread right-wing conspiracy theories like to compare it to the tree in New York City, in Warsaw and in Budapest.

“They say it is an example of our country’s decline. “And I have to admit – on the surface it does look a little underwhelming.

“But it’s also my favourite Christmas tree. You see, this tree is a gift from the people of Oslo to the people of Britain for our support during the Second World War.

“They’ve sent one every year since 1947. It’s a wonderful tradition that reminds us of the greatest generation and the sacrifices they made.

“Because when Norway was invaded by the Nazis in 1940, the King of Norway sought refuge in Britain and led the resistance to the occupation from here.

“To the people of Norway, during that dark period of Nazi rule, Britain became a symbol of freedom and hope. So this tree is about friendship and loyalty.”

Ex-English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson was among those singled out by Sir Ed for his response to the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.

The former English Defence League leader, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, labelled the tree "embarrassing" and called for an "unapologetic Christmas celebration".

Despite Sir Ed's criticism of "right-wing conspiracy theories", local Londoners were also left divided by the spruce.

While some vented about the "unwell-looking dead branches" and described the tree as looking like a "cactus with Poundland fairy lights", others claimed it looks "elegant" and "full of Christmas splendour".

Norway started sending the Oslo Christmas tree, which will remain in place until January 5, as a mark of gratitude for Britain’s efforts to liberate the Scandinavian country from the Nazis in World War.

British troops joined forces with the French and Poles to help liberate Norway during a two-month skirmish.

Norway, which was initially neutral, was under German occupation following Operation Weserubung.

Norwegian King Haakon VII was forced to seek refuge in Britain and the government operated in exile.

The UK proceeded to train and supply Norway’s resistance movement, with British commandos carrying out sabotage operations against the Nazis.

The Special Operations Executive, which had been dubbed Churchill’s Secret Army, carried out successful sabotage missions in Operation Archery and Gunnerside.

Following the liberation of Norway by the Soviet Union in late 1944, British troops returned to the Scandinavian country to disarm remaining all German soldiers.

Sir Ed shared black-and-white footage of Britons welcoming the Norwegian spruce to Trafalgar Square in years gone by, before showing a close-up of the light-clad tree in 2025.

However, Sir Ed’s Christmas message also connected Britain’s past with the present, singling out the UK’s ongoing support for Ukraine as a pivotal moment in our history.

“It makes me think about people standing together in tough times – whether against the Nazis in the 1940s, or right now in Ukraine,” the Liberal Democrat leader added.

“And yeah it might not be perfect, but this tree in Trafalgar Square makes me think about families and friends looking out for one another right here at home.

“I can’t think of a better symbol of the Christmas spirit of generosity, love and hope. Of light in the darkness. “So Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

“And if ever get a chance to pop down here – this is a tree that’s well worth a visit.”

Despite voicing frustration about the perception of the UK’s decline, a poll conducted by JL Partners found 74 per cent of voters believe Britain is broken.

The figure drops to 59 per cent among 2024 Labour voters and 66 per cent with Liberal Democrats.

However, the proportion jumps to 76 per cent with Tory supporters, 87 per cent among Green voters and 91 per cent with Reform’s voter base.

The Liberal Democrats enter the Christmas period in an almost identical position to the 2024 General Election result.

Sitting at around 13 per cent in the polls, Sir Ed has not managed to capitalise on disaffection with Labour.

Following huge inroads in the 2025 Local Elections, the Liberal Democrats might have expected a similar surge in the polls.

However, a Green boost under Zack Polanski and a slight recovery for Kemi Badenoch's Tories have left the Liberal Democrats languishing in fifth place.

Despite being outflanked by left and right-wing rivals, such a scenario could still see the Liberal Democrats secure the third largest number of parliamentary seats if it bore out at the next general election.