It feels like only yesterday that I was writing my Christmas message for 2020 – looking back at the year and thinking how much the world had changed as a result of Covid19. I had hoped then that my Christmas message for 2021 might start with a celebration that we had beaten this awful virus life had returned to normal.
But sadly, we find ourselves still in the grip of the pandemic.
So I want to start this year’s message by thanking everyone who has worked so hard this year to keep us safe. From the NHS staff in our hospitals, the teachers in our schools working in bubbles, the emergency services, the retail and shop workers who keep us fed and the transport staff who have continued to ensure we can get around and to the countless others – including the hundreds of volunteers in the wonderful community groups and charities across Reading and Woodley – who without fuss or fanfare have done their bit to help our town and their community.
2021 has been a year of contrasts. The Olympics, Paralympics and Euro 2020 brought hope to so many sporting fans around the world and COP26 saw some tentative but positive steps towards a deal to finally tackle the climate change crisis.
Yet the murder of Sir David Amess reminded us of the fragility of our democracy and the need for politics to be a better, calmer and kinder place. I was so touched by the messages from constituents following the tragic events in Southend and I thank everyone who go in touch.
And we now face the omicron variant, continuing restrictions and more uncertainty about the future for families and businesses. My office has been supporting businesses desperately trying to access support and will continue to do so until this pandemic is over.
Christmas, though, is a time to share, to love and to laugh.
As we head towards 2022, I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East
