2017 will be a challenging year
AS we take a moment to look back over the year and what it means for our community, I don’t have to tell you that we face a challenging year ahead.
With details of the government’s plans for Brexit still uncertain and with further draconian cuts to local government, community pharmacies and the NHS to come, the strong bonds that unite us will be more important than ever.
I’ve been humbled by the amazing work of charities and community projects across our constituency; by working together you have collectively helped to make Reddish and the Heatons the great place it is to live.
I’m thinking specifically of the Poets Corner residents group in North Reddish, the Friends of Reddish South Station and their ongoing campaign for a train service to Manchester Victoria, the various Park Friends Groups, the local churches and faith communities who make charities like Re:dish happen, and the Love Heaton Norris group who are doing fantastic work to make the area an even more pleasant place to live.
This year I was asked to join Labour’s Shadow Cabinet and in that position you can be confident that I will do all I can to fight this government to ensure our NHS has a future, that our local services are protected and that the north west gets the best trade and social deals for both businesses and workers outside of the European Union.
In Parliament you can rest assured that I will continue to stand up for the WASPI women in 2017 as well as continuing to fight for national campaigns like those that seek justice for individuals infected with contaminated blood products.
It has been a tumultuous year at home and abroad, but you can be confident that as your MP I will always do my best for every member of our community who comes to me with a problem or concern.
It remains a huge privilege and honour to represent the communities of Audenshaw, Denton, Dukinfield, Reddish and the Heatons in Parliament.
As we look to the future I wish you, and your family and friends a happy and prosperous 2017.