Speed of return to normality is largely in the hands of the unvaccinated

TOMORROW, as we celebrate Christmas with our families, our minds will also be cast towards those who cannot be with us. In some cases, families are temporarily apart because of the continuing Covid pandemic. Sadly, in others, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons or daughters have passed away.

While we all hope and deserve to savour the festivities, we should remember those who are less fortunate and have either lost loved ones or are on their own this Christmas.

There is no doubt that 2021, alongside 2020, will go down in history as a difficult year.

We all would have hoped that the pandemic would have been beaten by now but we are once again facing restrictions as Covid cases multiply.

I have to be honest and admit that I expect that the Omicron variant could mean even tighter measures as we enter the new year.

However, because of the Government’s urgency in bringing forward booster jabs for those who are double-vaccinated, I am hopeful that the spike will be very temporary.

Of course, the speed of our return to normality is largely in the hands of the unvaccinated. While I will defend civil liberty to my last breath, I also believe that everyone should take their responsibility of helping the nation seriously.

It is never too late – I am assured that those who have not been vaccinated will be welcome with open arms – so, please, book your jabs now.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all of those who have reacted so quickly and positively to this unwelcome turn in the pandemic.

From the NHS staff and teams at chemists who have been providing vaccinations and tests to keep people safe to the enormous band of volunteers who have acted as stewards or taken people to the centres. They have all been absolutely magnificent.

I am an optimist so while I believe that Covid-19 will never go away, there will be a way to live alongside it.

This may be with a long-term booster programme and regular testing which may simply become part of our lives.

You may be wondering why I was one of the Conservatives who stood against the Government over its recent handling of the pandemic.

I believe strongly that the Government needs to bring any measures to Parliament and announce them there before making statements to the media. I receive dozens of emails every day from my constituents on important issues and too often feel as though I am in the dark on government policy to be able to accurately respond to them. This is unacceptable.

Boris Johnson needs to explain in much greater detail when he is taking important decisions such as those which affected the hospitality sector in the lead-up to Christmas. I believe that Covid passports are a step too far in terms of civil liberties and I am also yet to see the evidence that they would work. Nevertheless, I am as hopeful as I can be that we can move on quickly from the Omicron setback in 2022. This time last year, none of us were able to be with our loved ones on Christmas Day. This year, thanks to our vaccination programme, most of us will be. Enjoy and cherish the moment – if you can, eat, drink and be merry, allow laughter to fill your homes. Let us pray that tomorrow is just the beginning of better times ahead. In the meantime, I wish you a safe and happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous new year.

Enjoy and cherish the moment – if you can, eat, drink and be merry, allow laughter to fill your homes.