I would like to wish all my constituents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. At this time of year, we should be thinking of those fighting in Afghanistan who will not be at home for Christmas and the relatives of those who have lost their lives there. We also thank all those who serve our country and community in essential services and their families.
Despite a very difficult economic start to the year, thankfully matters have improved since then. British business is doing better. May brought much change at Westminster and the great innovation of a Coalition Government. I think the verdict so far is largely positive, although the effort to tackle the huge inherited deficit is painful.
I was delighted to be re-elected to Parliament to represent all constituents of North East Hertfordshire and I thank voters for their confidence. It was good to be able to visit every community in the constituency during the campaign and to meet so many people. As my election blogs showed, it is a very beautiful area.
Locally within North East Herts, I keep in close touch with local businesses and I welcome the Coalition’s measures to help small businesses, encourage training in skill shortage areas and boost the number of apprenticeships. For long-suffering commuters, there is good news of more seats on our trains to ease overcrowding.
I began to get into the Christmas spirit when I attended the turning on of the Lights of Love in Buntingford and am looking forward to Christmas in Royston with my family.
I hope you all have a very happy Christmas and good New Year.