A Christmas Message from Mike Penning MP

With Christmas now only days away and Parliament about to go into recess I am steeling myself for the oncoming festive season. Now, let us be clear about this, I am not complaining, I just love this time of year. To me it is very much a family time. A time to remember friends, relatives and those wonderful childhood memories of Christmases now long past. Like most of you, I will spend Christmas Day wearing the new slippers, oversize jumper, too small gloves and the new after-shave cologne I am likely to receive as gifts. I will almost certainly eat too much and will not be able to resist the nuts, fruit, sweets, dates and other delights that will adorn our house over the festive period. Late in the afternoon, when my eyes are laden and trying to close while I recline comfortably on the sofa I will look around at my family and think just how lucky I am.

Sadly, not everyone is as lucky as this. Christmas is also a time to think and consider those less fortunate. Please join me and share a thought for our Armed Forces who will spend their Christmas in far off lands away from their families and loved ones and in constant danger. Please think of those amongst us who may be homeless, the old and infirm and the lonely who spend Christmas on their own. And spare a thought for all those nurses, police, fire fighters and other public servants who work selflessly over Christmas to keep us safe.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Mike Penning MP