As we approach 2022, now is a great time to reflect on the past year. Covid has continued to impact all of our lives, but I very much hope that you have been able to make the most of seeing loved ones over the festive period.

Christmas affords us the opportunity to reflect on the year behind us, but also allows us to focus on the year ahead. I am sure that most of us will be looking forward to a year without restrictions and hoping for life as we knew it to return.

At this time of year, it is important to take a moment to think of all of those that work on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Those are days that most of us look forward to switching off and celebrating at home with friends and loved ones, but so many make a sacrifice for the greater good and to keep the country running and vital services operating.

A 12+ hour shift can be challenging on a regular day, let alone on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of those in the NHS, emergency service workers, carers, prison officers, Armed Forces personnel and those working in the retail and hospitality sectors to name just a few.

I hope you all had a relaxing and peaceful Christmas, and I wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year.

  • Dean Russell is Conservative MP for Watford