It really has been an incredible year. I probably say that every year, but this one really has been remarkable. I’m not sure whether it was our decision to leave the EU, thus opening up for renegotiation the trading relationship we have with our biggest trading partner and potentially putting it at risk, or the election of Donald Trump that was the more stunning. World leaders were amazed that Britain put forward a referendum on something as complex and crucial as our EU membership, but promises are promises and we are delivering Brexit. It cost David Cameron his job.

In America, pundits from both sides of the Atlantic were saying right up to the end that Trump couldn’t win the nomination, that he couldn’t win the election. But he did and now we find ourselves looking at his Twitter feed to see where he stands on nuclear proliferation.

In the UK, we have seen household income grow at its fastest rate since 2001, employment is at a record high over 75% and near zero inflation means living standards are now improving faster. The introduction of the national living wage is driving down inequality.

But across the world we have also seen some important developments. Myanmar has seen its first democratically elected leader for more than 50 years. A once wealthy country is now back on the path to recovery with the most exciting economic prospects in the world. Thailand has seen the passing of its King, both the oldest and longest serving monarch in the world. That now leaves our own Queen Elizabeth II as the oldest and longest serving monarch. Thailand has elections next year, looking to rebalance power from the military.

Health is better. The WHO tells us that malaria deaths are down 60% since 2000; AIDS related deaths are down 45%; infant mortality halved. Worldwide, people can expect an extra 7 years of life compared to their relatives born in 1990.

But we continue to see abject suffering, with tens of millions refugees fleeing the wars in Syria, Yemen, and other crisis points. The articulated lorry has become a weapon of terrorism.

Despite the woes, I remain an optimist. Human nature, generally speaking, wins through and when faced with problems and challenges, we tend to win over, finding the best way forward. So who knows what 2017 will bring, but it could be even more exciting than 2016!