Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my constituents. This will be the first Christmas for three years when people will be able to spend time with friends and family with no Covid restrictions in place.
This is of course a very important time of the year for Christians, but I hope that the Nativity’s spiritual message of hope can resonate with people of all faiths and none. The census might be showing that fewer of us identify as Christians than in past eras, but the religious message of Christmas is still a strong one, despite the hubbub of shopping and food and social events.
This year we must not forget the plight of Ukrainians suffering great adversity as a result of the Russian invasion. With many having to flee their country, they will be spending Christmas separated from loved ones. Back home, Ukrainians will be spending time over the festive season without power and in danger of air attack. Their courage is an example to us all.
Reflecting on this past twelve months, I still feel a sense of sadness at the passing of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Truly, we will not see her like again. Her loss marks the end of an era. I felt deeply honoured to have been part of some of the ceremonial occasions to mark the death of our sovereign and the proclamation of King Charles. Those were days that none of us will ever forget.
Following the Government’s hugely successful vaccination programme, it was a relief to see the UK emerge from lockdown more quickly than almost any other comparable country.
Our NHS and care workers did incredible work during the long pandemic. I pay tribute to all of them and to the police and other emergency services who will be working over Christmas. I would like to thank them for their dedication. And I also pay tribute to the brave men and women of our armed forces, many of whom will be posted overseas away from their families during this festive period.
Looking ahead to 2023, we all know that this will be a very difficult winter. The Government’s energy bill support scheme is helping millions of families and businesses, but many are still experiencing hardship and difficulty as a result of the inflation caused by the Ukraine war.
I shall continue to work to secure the help my constituents need at this tough time. I will also campaign enthusiastically in Barnet and in Parliament to highlight the issues that matter to my constituents, such as protecting our green spaces, fighting against overdevelopment, tackling crime, giving Barnet children the best education, and expanding NHS services.
I hope that all my constituents have the chance to enjoy some rest and time with their loved ones over the forthcoming holiday period.
Best wishes for the festive season! Happy Christmas and Happy Chanukah.
