This has been a year like no other I can remember. Never have I looked forward so much to a New Year, in the hope that we can start seeing a time when life can get back to something like normal.
The recent surge of Covid cases in Ashford has reminded us all of two things: we must not relax our vigilance in the daily task of staying safe, especially over Christmas, and we must do what we can to protect vulnerable people. 2020 has been miserable for so many people, whether trying to run a business or aching to visit a relative in a care home, and for me the main task of the year has been trying to help many of those coping with the effects of the pandemic.
This has meant taking individual cases to Government departments, helping publicise the many admirable voluntary groups that sprung into action, seeking to influence Government policy on restrictions to strike the right balance, and arguing the case for Kent in the corridors of Whitehall.
2021 will see the distribution of the vaccine, which is the beacon of hope we need. But before we can enjoy the fruits of this unbelievable scientific success, we will need to get through the effects of the end of the Brexit transition period. As I write this I do not know whether we have reached a deal or not. I fervently hope we do. But either way we must expect some disruption at the border, and the likelihood of knock-on effects for all of us.
So in wishing you all a Happy New Year I should be realistic. 2020 was dominated by Covid and Brexit, and we must expect the early months of next year to be the same. But we will come through the difficulties and Britain will flourish again. The Government has an exciting agenda to level up the country, spread opportunity to new people, and create an outward-looking Global Britain. It will be a relief and a pleasure to return to those policies, to put Conservative principles into practice.
Best wishes,
Damian Green MP
Event for Association Members
Join me for an online audience on Thursday 28 January 2021 from 7pm to 8:30pm. There is no charge to take part in this event.
