WHAT a year!
COVID-19 and Brexit have dominated, the former to be tamed, the latter still to be resolved.
All this with a new Government, a strong mandate and a new future to look forward to outside the EU.
The year began so well but, within three months, the pandemic struck, throwing the world into disarray.
Debates on how to contain this nasty virus continue apace, although shielding the most vulnerable has universal support.
A white knight has appeared in the shape of a vaccine and two more are hoped for.
Correctly, in my view, the rules have been lifted for Christmas and families can reunite for a few days at this important time of the year.
However, as much as we are bombarded with bad news, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Thousands of unsung heroes have helped to retain an air of normality in recent months, with soldiers, police, prison officers, bin men, teachers and volunteers all rising to the challenge.
On the frontline itself, doctors and nurses have shown courage and dedication.
Those hit hardest lie in the private sector, where chefs, cooks, waiters, publicans, hoteliers, shelf-stackers, delivery drivers and millions of others have responded with extraordinary patience to fluctuating rules and regulations.
Regrettably, though, for many businesses, it’s all proved too much, and unemployment is rising fast.
Where will we be in 2021?
That’s a good question, and hard to predict.
But I have observed the courage, conviction and good sense of the British people and have no doubt we will emerge from this unsettling period with renewed vigour.
To all my constituents, however you vote, can I wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and roll on the New Year.