Heather Wheeler, MP for South Derbyshire

IT is hard to realise Christmas is just a few days away – so much is happening on an almost daily basis.

This time last year, with the vaccination programme under way, we thought we were heading back towards normality, but this new variant has thrown a spanner in the works with how quickly it spreads.

Once the scientists have finished their analysis, I hope they will find the vaccines give us the protection we need and all mandatory restrictions can be lifted. The Government takes no pleasure in putting them in place but it is their job to protect us and the NHS.

Early in the year, whilst we were all working from home, my Senior Caseworker Paul died suddenly and his were big shoes to fill. The rest of my team did an amazing job keeping all the wheels turning and dealing with the deluge of casework we were receiving. I pride myself that we respond to everybody but during that period we had to extend the time we were taking and you were very understanding.

In Westminster the Prime Minister made me a whip. The downside of this is I am not allowed to speak in debates but be assured, I bring up any issues affecting South Derbyshire and its residents directly with the relevant minister.

Despite all that Covid has thrown at us our economy has bounced back strongly and the Government have taken some big Bills through Parliament particularly the Nationality and Borders Bill and last week’s groundbreaking Free Trade Deal with Australia, our first full Trade Deal post Brexit, a Deal that the EU could not make.

My wish for you is to enjoy Christmas with your loved ones, have fun, stay safe and if you are out and about in a crowd wear your mask and if you are eligible for your booster get it booked. Finally, let us hope 2022 will bring an end to all things Covid.