Christmas is a special time of year for all of us to reflect on the past 12 months. It is also a time to look forward to the coming year and plan for happier, healthier times.
My thoughts and thanks go to all our keyworkers and frontline staff across Dagenham and Rainham, and particularly to those working in the NHS, caregivers, transport workers, school staff, and our emergency services who have all faced unprecedented pressure throughout the year. I also want to extend warm wishes to the voluntary sector for their tireless and inspiring work.
No doubt the government will also thank our keyworkers. Sadly, their thanks will be little more than empty words, as they sit back and allow employers to water down pay and conditions under cover of the pandemic – often pushing working people from the frontline to the breadline.
I know that for many of my constituents this will have been another year of sadness and loss, not only lives but livelihoods. However, there is hope for the new year. The vaccination programme has been a broad success and whilst there are concerns about Omicron, our scientists and health service are approaching it from a place of strength following the experiences of the last 18 months.
Despite national economic uncertainty, Dagenham and Rainham continues to attract investment and next year brings us closer to London’s largest film studio, and the relocation of Billingsgate, Smithfield and New Spitalfields to Dagenham Dock. In a few years’ time my constituency will be at the heart of trade in London delivering thousands of skilled jobs for local people.
As we move into the new year, I will continue working alongside both local authorities to attract more positive investment, holding the government to account over its failure to deliver Beam Park station, and making sure that good public services are delivered alongside much needed housing – providing the opportunities, care, and services to see a multigenerational community thrive.
Finally, I would like to wish all of my constituents across Dagenham and Rainham a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a happy, healthy and safe New Year.
My office will be closed from Wednesday 22 December and will re-open on Tuesday 4 January. However, my team will still be checking in to deal with any emergency casework over the holidays. You can find a full list of emergency contacts HERE
