British PM May urges nation to "come together" post-Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May has urged the nation to "come together" after a year of divisions over the Brexit referendum.

May in her Christmas message said that coming together is important for the country as Britain seeks an historic opportunity to forge a bold new role for itself in the world.

"As we leave the European Union, we must seize an historic opportunity to forge a bold new role for ourselves in the world and to unite our country as we move forward into the future," the Independent quoted May, as saying.

She said the country must work together to promote trade, increase prosperity and face the challenges to peace and security around the world with their international partners.

May highlighted that in 2016, the country had much to celebrate including the Queen's 90th birthday and successes in the Olympic Games.

She also re-affirmed her determination to protect religious freedoms.

The Prime Minister praised the people who work over the festive period saying that she knows how demanding it can be for those who work on such occasions as she has grown up in a vicarage.

"So it's right for all of us to express our gratitude to those who will have to spend Christmas away from the people they love in looking after others, those in our health and care services, those who work with the vulnerable, as well as those who will be caring for a loved one," she added.

May thanked the armed forces, security agencies and emergency services for their continued hard work to keep the country safe.

"Wherever you are this Christmas, I wish you joy and peace in this season of celebration, along with health and happiness in the year ahead," she said.