There is much to be excited about in 2018

AS I write this column after what I hope has been a wonderful and relaxing Christmas and New Year for everyone, the country is getting ready for what is set to be a challenging yet exciting year ahead.

It will be to nobody’s surprise that Brexit is once again set to dominate the political agenda for the year.

The country’s prosperity hinges on us getting this right and to that end I’m delighted that at the end of last year, the Prime Minister delivered what many people claimed could not be achieved and completed Phase 1 negotiations with the EU.

Clearly these negotiations required some give and take, however I am pleased that the UK and the EU have come to an agreement which secures the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens in the EU, ensures that we settle our accounts with the EU fairly and guarantees that there will not be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in addition to maintaining the Common Travel Area.

Turning to more local issues, I look forward to continuing to work on the issues which matter to people across Cheadle.

I will continue to campaign to protect our green belt from inappropriate development and will keep a close eye on developments regarding the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework ahead of the expected release of revised proposals in the summer.

I know that constituents in Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme are particularly concerned about local crime and I want to build on the positive community meeting which was held along with Greater Manchester Police in November.

Following issues affecting commuters at train stations in the area, I will also be looking to push for improved local transport links with the new money and powers which the Government recently devolved to Greater Manchester.

In 2018 there is much work to do and even more to be excited about.

Let’s look forward with optimism and I wish you and your family all the best for the year ahead.