Christmas is of course a time to remember and celebrate the birth of Christ. It is also an opportunity to pause for a moment and reflect: to remember those who are elderly, unwell or alone at Christmas, and those less fortunate than ourselves: to acknowledge the service and dedication of our Armed Forces and the brave work of the men and women who work tirelessly to keep us safe and secure: and to recognise those who work around the clock, to provide life-saving healthcare, policing, fire and rescue, and emergency services for us all.
This Christmas we all hoped that we would be in a very different place to Christmas 2020. Whilst we are learning to live alongside the Covid-19 virus and we are benefiting from the development of treatments and vaccines we are still facing a very challenging Christmas.
We have continued throughout 2021 to see an outpouring of support for our local community by so many groups including our local Churches, Community Groups and local Council to help overcome the challenges which we have faced as a result of the pandemic.
As we enter the Christmas period we once again rededicate ourselves to thank our NHS staff, frontline workers and people who continue to work day in and day out to work on the frontline to beat this virus, we are indebted to them all.
For my part I remain extremely proud to be your Member of Parliament. Every week I see how this community works together with a real sense of community spirit to improve the quality of life for all the residents of Aldridge-Brownhills.
As we approach 2022 we will all hope for a better New Year, but let me take this opportunity to wish you, your friends and family a very Happy Christmas.
I very much look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.