Dear Resident,

At the end of what has been another immensely challenging year for our country, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Christmas may look a little different again this year due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases since the emergence of the new Omicron variant, with people prioritising the social interactions that really matter to them over the festive period.

However, I want to reassure you that the UK remains in an immensely stronger position than this time last year - with a greater capacity for testing, enhanced ability for sequencing and the collective protection offered by our world leading vaccination programme.

Vaccines remain our best line of defence against COVID-19 and I want to again pay a special tribute to everyone involved in delivering the rollout, including our fantastic NHS workers, Armed Forces personnel and volunteers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty through this crisis.

It is never too late for you to get your first or second dose of the vaccine or a booster and so my plea to you is, please, come forward and take up the offer today!

Again, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

With best wishes,

Maggie

Maggie Throup MP
Member of Parliament for Erewash