With my first full year in parliament since re-election drawing to a close, it’s a good moment to look back on 12 months of a full diary.

I’ve spoken in 142 debates and received answers to 704 written parliamentary questions and my caseworkers have assisted 1,200 people.

But much of my work is away from Westminster and, as ever, spending time connecting with people in the constituency has been a constant source of inspiration,

Whether that’s groups working with young people such as Access Bike and The Door, or those supporting our community, like Marah, the Salvation Army, Stroud Valleys Project, the Credit Union and so many more, I have enjoyed many productive community engagements.

I have also tried to visit as many schools as possible.

There are, of course, many challenges to face in 2019. The Brexit debacle will dominate the months to come. But we must also focus on the other challenges, the crisis in education funding, declining NHS services, the impact of the roll out of Universal Credit and the desperate lack of housing.

My year has also taken me overseas with visits to Sudan, Bosnia and Albania as part of parliamentary delegations working to build peace. I also spent time in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, to help to understand the impact of Brexit.

It’s been a busy year, and no doubt 2019 will be too, there is so much to do.

One of these tasks will be to rebuild not only our broken services, but also bridges across our divided community. I want to wish you all a happy Christmas and restful break and look forward to sharing another year with you in 2019.