I would like to wish all my constituents across North East Hertfordshire a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We know that this is a difficult time economically for Britain and the world and we will be thinking of those less fortunate than ourselves this Christmas. We also think about those in our armed forces stationed abroad and particularly those fighting in Afghanistan, and their relatives, including those who have lost loved ones.
At this time of year we rely on our public services more than ever and it is right to pay tribute to their dedicated work. This has not been an easy year for Britain and we must hope for better tidings in 2012. I am looking forward to the Olympics and the Jubilee. I am sure Hertfordshire’s Olympic site for White Water Events will be a great success and many of us will want to celebrate the Queen’s huge contribution over sixty years.
We are lucky in North East Hertfordshire to have low unemployment and we should thank all our successful businesses for their contribution to society.
I will continue to hold regular surgeries and always like to hear from constituents. I am particularly happy to try to help with problems and to hear views about the way forward for our country.
I take a particular interest in Work and Pensions issues in the House of Commons and I am glad that the Government is putting more emphasis on training apprenticeships for young people and that these are going to be concentrating on areas where we have skills shortages. This will enable us to fill the vacancies which are available.
I also hope that we will see a start on the new lifts for Letchworth Garden City Station.
The Carol Concerts at this time of year enable us to remember the true purpose of Christmas and I particularly enjoyed hearing the children sing at the recent Buntingford Lights of Love. There was also an excellent Carol Concert at Westminster this year in aid of charity, in many ways the real spirit of Christmas. I hope everyone has a very good time over Christmas and a better New Year.