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Good morning John,

As we reach the end of another year and prepare for Christmas, it is right for all of us to pause and reflect, not only on the months just passed, but on the wider world around us.

For Christians, Christmas is a powerful reminder of hope, sacrifice and the offer of redemption. The birth of Christ speaks into this broken world - light entering darkness, peace offered amid conflict, and the call to forgive and love one another. In a year marked by global uncertainty and community tension, that message is particularly relevant.

2025 has been a sobering year globally. War continues to scar Europe and the Middle East. Democracies have been tested. Long-standing international relations have been strained, and too often the innocent have paid the price. We have also witnessed a deeply troubling rise in violent and vitriolic antisemitism, including closer to home, something that must concern anyone who believes in decency, in justice and in learning from history. This poison must be confronted and defeated wherever it appears.

Politically, the year has not been without its challenges. Operating Stormont as a coalition of opposites is never easy. Yet DUP ministers have delivered, across education, within communities, and through the promotion of Northern Ireland as a place to invest by our Deputy First Minister. Progress has been made because our focus has remained on delivery, not noise.

Supporting our Strangford MLA Harry Harvey on his charity ‘sit out’ in Ballynahinch

Looking ahead to 2026, there is much work to do. When the Assembly returns, our priority will be investing in and improving public services. That is where all those elected to the Assembly should focus, not on performative politics or cheap point-scoring.

We will also be clear in cautioning against those who seek to use the veil of so-called “reform” to bring about majority rule by the back door.

For over 25 years, Alliance, Sinn Fein and the SDLP railed against those of us who sought to amend some of the clear folly within the Belfast Agreement. Now, those very voices are willing to rip up the foundation of the institutions themselves - cross-community consent. That principle is not an inconvenience; it is a safeguard. Consensus politics is challenging, but it cannot simply be cast aside to allow a pan-nationalist/republican bloc, bolstered by Alliance, to railroad unionists out of the way. That is a dangerous road to go down, and we will oppose it.

We will also continue to challenge the Labour government’s relentless pursuit of working people through taxation. At a time when families are already under pressure, their default remains to tax more, spend more, and burden those who do the right thing.

There is an urgent need to tackle illegal immigration. A system that is not enforced is unfair to communities under pressure, to taxpayers funding public services, and to those who play by the rules. Compassion and control must go hand in hand.

Encouragingly, more people are beginning to see the folly of climate change fanaticism. In 2026, we need a serious, grown-up conversation about what is achievable, what is affordable, and at what cost to jobs, households and energy security.

As we close the year, I want to express my sincere thanks to all those who will be working throughout Christmas, in our health service, policing, emergency services, and in retail, hospitality and transport. While many rest, you continue to serve our community, often at personal sacrifice. Your commitment keeps our society moving, and it deserves recognition.

My hope for the year ahead is that we see a change in hearts and minds, towards responsibility, realism and respect for common sense values.

From Lindsay, Reuben and I, we wish you and your family a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Gavin Robinson MP

DUP Leader

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