WYRE Forest is certainly shining bright this Christmas with the towns’ decorations in full splendour.

Indeed, the huge effort and imagination put in by private households is truly amazing.

The whole district can, no doubt, be seen from space so ablaze it is with bright lights! I have had a chance to both visit schools and have schools visit me in Westminster where we have seen a number drop by to see the democratic process in full swing.

So whilst it is great to see how the schools are getting ready for Christmas, it is also really important to see them in Westminster. Part of the process for the educational tours is for local MPs to come and chat with the visitors. I always try to make the point that we are merely looking after the country for a short spell.

In due course, it will be their turn to take over so it is important we sort out the mess before they take control themselves.

However, I suspect that the last thing anyone needs is the local MP banging on about politics! If there was anything more likely to bring about a bout of indigestion, it is a political commentary during the festive season!

But whilst we are all sleeping off a Christmas lunch and snoozing in front of The Queen’s Speech, I do urge you all to spare a thought for those in the emergency services who continue to keep an eye on our collective wellbeing during Christmas and the New Year and their families who will not be able to have their loved ones at home.

During the festive season, the fire station will be manned, as will the ambulance services and the police stations. Hospital A&E departments will be ready should anything happen. Behind the scenes are teams of people ready to help at the drop of hat should anything untoward happen to any of us.

And of course, they are there the whole time, doing an excellent job, as do our service personnel who also are missing family Christmases as they are serving in other parts of the world.

So whilst I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, I want to send particular good wishes and thanks to those many people who dedicate their lives, all year, to keeping us all safe.

CONTACT YOUR MP

  • Email: mark.garnier.mp@parliament.uk
  • Telephone: 020 7219 7198 or 01562 746771
  • Write: 9a Lower Mill Street, Kidderminster, DY11 6UU, or House of Commons, Westminster, London