AS I reflect on 2022 I have been moved by the amazing community spirit that has been shown in tough times.

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has made life tough for people. The extraordinary charity and generosity shown by local people to welcome vulnerable Ukrainians into their homes earlier this year showed our community at its best.

I was delighted to meet many of our Ukrainian guests at my annual Tynedale Jobs Fair, where they are being supported by the Hexham Jobcentre to gain employment. They are playing an active role in our community and I am proud that my team and I have played a small part in assisting them coming to the UK.

In September, we mourned the loss of HM The Queen.

The most moving tribute to the life of the Queen that I experienced was earlier this year during the Jubilee celebrations. I was speaking to the children at Henshaw Primary School. The first child asked: “Have you met the Queen?”, I replied saying, 'Yes, as an MP I’ve been lucky to meet her on a few occasions'

At that moment the whole atmosphere changed. A sea of hands went up and we continued exclusively to talk about Her Majesty, her public duty, beloved corgis and her recent meeting with Paddington Bear for the rest of the session. The Queen was the best of us and a constant in a changing world.

This year, I held my annual Christmas card Competition. I received 100s of entries from right across the Hexham Constituency.

Jemima from Corbridge Middle School was the deserved winner. In a year when Her Majesty The Queen sadly passed away, Jemima’s brilliant Christmas card design of a Christmas corgi (with antlers!) moved me. I have never met a Christmas corgi, but there will be no other Christmas card like it.

A special mention goes to the runners-up: Chloe from Corbridge Middle School, George from St Joseph’s Middle School and Lola from Whitfield CofE Primary School for their excellent entries. 

I know that things are tough for many of you this year. Following Covid lockdowns and the rising cost of living, it has been very difficult for many, but I have genuine hope that 2023 will bring better and prosperous times.

I wish you a safe and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.