With the New Year arriving we reflect on events from the year past, whilst looking with expectation to what may lie ahead.
As your Member of Parliament there have been a considerable number of highlights for me personally throughout 2017, not least being re-elected at the General Election and given the opportunity to once again serve the interests of our local area.
Entering 2018, we do so safe in the knowledge that Brexit negotiations are on track. As a result of the determination of Prime Minister Theresa May we start 2018 with a renewed sense of optimism as we enter phase two of the negotiations to secure a new partnership on trade and security which will once again demonstrate our global credentials ahead of leaving the European Union on 29 March 2019.
Yet whilst Brexit dominates the media headlines, it forms only one part of my work at Westminster, and it is important that we support the Prime Minister and continue with the work of Government, getting on with the job and ensuring that we have a Britain fit for the future.
As we start the New Year I remain committed as your Member of Parliament to campaign on the issues which matter to us here in Aldridge-Brownhills seeking to champion our local areas ensuring we protect our precious Green Belt and Open Spaces, whilst seeking to develop new homes for the next generation. I will continue to speak up about the need for regeneration of our High Streets and Village Centres and I will advocate that we look at all possibilities for a return of passenger trains and a station for Aldridge. I will continue to support business and enterprise and to find solutions to deal with the issue of Unauthorised Encampments which has affected so many of our communities.
Constituents rightly expect their Members of Parliament to get on with the job and find solutions to the challenges and problems they encounter and that is what I will be doing once again in 2018.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year and all the very best for 2018.