THIS has been an extraordinary year for the world and I know that for many of us Christmas was very different to the ones we are used to.

I want to take this opportunity to commend everyone in this constituency – from dedicated NHS staff, care home workers and teachers who have done so much to support those who are particularly vulnerable, to all who have changed their routines to help us keep each other safe over this period.

With the news of a successful vaccine there is now hope for light at the end of the tunnel – even if we cannot yet see it – and with it a return towards our more familiar ways of life at some point next year.

It has been wonderful to visit local businesspeople around the constituency and I commend how they have worked so hard to adapt to changing circumstances – for example by initiating free home deliveries.

Their innovation to help keep customers safe has been impressive.

Small Business Saturday was earlier this month and reminded me how important it is to support our local, independent traders – a vital part of our communities, which have really come together this year.

Neighbours have gone out of their way to support each other, and so many people have stepped up to volunteer in a myriad of generous ways, making calls to help combat loneliness, raising money for charities which cannot hold their usual events, and much more.

If there can be a positive from this year, it is this increased neighbourliness and kindness – something I very much hope endures.

This is a particularly poignant moment for me to have been appointed by the Prime Minister to serve as his Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, to highlight the plight of the millions who suffer in many countries because of their faith – or none – and raising further the profile of this fundamental freedom.

In this role I shall place myself at the service of some of the most vulnerable individuals across the world, whatever their beliefs.

May God bless you and keep you safe in 2021.