2022 has been a tumultuous year at home and abroad. The loss of Her late Majesty The Queen after 70 years of dedicated and unwavering service on the throne came as a profound shock to us all. Just a few short months after celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, our nation paused to pay tribute to Elizabeth the Great.
In February, President Putin launched his illegal and inhumane invasion of Ukraine. Thousands of Ukrainians have been displaced, their homes destroyed and loved ones murdered by a ruthless Russian regime.
Thanks to the generosity of residents across Buckinghamshire, many of those displaced people are now safely here in our county, where they have been welcomed into our community with open arms.
A knock-on effect of Putin’s war is the pain we are all experiencing from energy costs. The Conservative Government has delivered an energy price guarantee, as well as a £400 support package for every household, in addition to targeted help for vulnerable residents. But I know that many residents are still struggling with the cost of living, and I would urge anyone to contact Buckinghamshire Council’s Helping Hand service for additional support.
Politics in Westminster has undoubtedly been turbulent this year, but I believe we are now in a much calmer period that looks set to continue.
Locally I have been focusing on securing the vital link roads we need in Aylesbury to alleviate congestion whilst continuing to press the case with ministers for the full Aylesbury spur of East West Rail. These two projects would level up our town, improve economic growth and reduce air pollution – I hope we will see real progress on them in 2023.
For now, all that is left for me to do is wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
