As 2021 comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very safe and restful Christmas break and a happy and successful 2022.

This year, like 2020, has been challenging because of Covid but the booster programme is proceeding at great pace and a huge thank you to the NHS, our armed forces personnel, volunteers and all the members of the public who are playing their part in keeping all of us, and each other, safe.

My incredibly hardworking staff have continued to support me through another busy year and we responded to over 12,000 enquiries on a range of issues. I have also had an opportunity to visit innovative local businesses like Tower Cold Chain and Cohort Plc, meet some local schools and congratulate local charities for all they do.

One of the campaigns I have been running locally has been to strengthen police powers to tackle unauthorised encampments and so welcomed the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which does just that. I am also supporting Reading’s latest bid for City status.

In Government, I continue to serve as COP26 President within the Cabinet. COP26, the UN Climate Conference the UK hosted in November, concluded with almost 200 countries agreeing to the historic Glasgow Climate Pact. More details about what was agreed can be found here. In the year ahead the UK will continue to works with nations around the world to turn commitments into actions.

As ever do get in touch if you have any queries or issues you wish to raise, in the meantime wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Best wishes,

Alok