In my former role as Transport Minister, I spent many hours working with TfL and others preparing for the Games. A huge amount of effort went into preparing for London 2012. I think we can be proud of the spectacular success of Team GB in the competition and proud of how London performed in hosting the Games. The gridlock that many predicted never materialised and the Underground network carried more people than at any time in its history. The transport improvements delivered for the Games will deliver a lasting legacy for our capital city.
It has been a momentous year for me, with my appointment to the Cabinet as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I have been really enjoying my new responsibilities alongside continuing my busy programme of constituency engagements and campaigns.Big issues this year have included the fight against a new waste disposal plant at Pinkham Way and against inappropriate over-development in Cat Hill.
I have also been working hard with Friends of Barnet Market and others to secure the future of Barnet’s historic stall market and promote our local high street. I would like to congratulate the team who organised the Christmas Fair in Barnet High Street which was bigger and better than ever before.
However, there’s no doubt that economic conditions continue to be tough. Britain is in a global race today. It’s sink or swim. To succeed in that race we must deal with the deficit so we pay our way in the world and make Britain a place where people who work hard can get on in life. But we are on the right track. The economy is starting to heal. We’ve cleared a quarter of the deficit left by Labour in the Government’s first two years in office, and the private sector has created over one million new jobs.
I would like to wish all my constituents a Merry Christmas, a Happy Chanukah and a very successful New Year.