At this time of year many of us will be enjoying festivities and relaxing with family and friends, however, we must remember that there are people in our communities that will be struggling.
Christmas can bring financial stress to families on low incomes and feelings of isolation to those experiencing loneliness, and I will be thinking of these people over the holidays.
This has been another financially tough year for most people as the cost-of-living crisis continues.
As we celebrate the Christmas story, we should remember the many homeless people that will have nowhere to go this festive season, and those of us in Parliament must look towards a new year in which more must be done to provide a roof over everyone’s head.
While this year draws to a close, I will be wishing for peace and the end to international conflicts which continue to bring death and destruction to people across the world, including ongoing wars in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, and Sudan.
At home in North Ayrshire we have continued to offer a warm welcome to refugees that are staying with us this year.
It is also the right time to show our gratitude to the people that will be working hard throughout this period in our communities, particularly in the NHS, emergency services, and retail and hospitality staff.
To all constituents, I wish you a warm and relaxing Christmas spent with family and friends, and I look forward to seeing you in 2025.