In the run-up to the festive period, I’ve been out and about across the constituency, speaking with local business leaders, students and retailers (squeezing in some Christmas shopping in between) and as ever giving feedback directly to government when necessary.

My team and I also continue to help many constituents on an individual basis with a wide range of issues from health concerns to visa difficulties, transport issues, energy support packages, and much more. I know the stress many households are experiencing with cost-of-living pressures and if there is anything I can raise, please do get in touch.

Given the real problem hundreds of my constituents are having accessing NHS dental care, particularly for children, I had a meeting recently with the British Dental Association to get the latest update on provision locally and to discuss what further measures might be useful. I will be following up with the new dental minister in the new year. We need to see some improvement.

In more positive news, I am delighted that an historic new deal has been reached this week by almost 200 countries at the UN biodiversity summit COP15 to better protect nature.

The agreement, signed in Montreal, and with my ministerial DEFRA department playing a globally leading role, includes a global commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and to protect 30 per cent of land and oceans by the same date. The agreement is a real breakthrough in recognising the vital importance of restoring nature. Without a healthy natural world, we cannot have a sustainable future.

Now we have to drive the actions to make this happen and I’m proud that the Government has just published legally binding targets for restoring nature, water, air and reducing waste that will help us achieve the improvement we need.

And at this festive season let’s take a moment to think about those less fortunate than ourselves, especially in tough economic times and in war torn parts of the world.

I’d also like to express my sincere thanks to all of those, including our emergency services, frontline workers and volunteers everywhere who doing so much for those in need.

Best wishes at this Christmas time to you all.