AFTER another eventful year locally, nationally and internationally, I again value this opportunity to offer my best wishes for 2025 to readers of the DnG Media local newspapers.
A personal highlight for me was being re-elected with a larger majority in July’s general election. Being chosen as a local MP for a sixth time is a great privilege and a responsibility that I take extremely seriously.
The festive season was, for many, a time of reflection with focus on family and I was recently delighted to welcome my latest grandchild.
It was again a busy year in politics in the UK and beyond with the thoughts of many focused on the tragic events in Ukraine and the Middle East.
At Westminster, with my party now on the opposition benches, I see our role as no less crucial to democracy as we hold the new Government, with a number of what I consider damaging policies, fully to account.
As always, my greatest priority is representing the interests of constituents and, as always, I remain committed to holding regular surgeries in towns and many villages across Dumfriesshire.
Equally important to me is being out and about in communities and participating in community events to help fully engage with local issues and constituents’ individual concerns.
It is clear across the south of Scotland that health and care services, road improvements, education and policing remain far more important to many local people than the SNP’s costly, in a number of ways, independence obsession.
Finally, during this holiday period, I think it is important to express our appreciation of those who provide our essential services which continue to operate and all those good neighbours who make such a big difference for those less fortunate. Well done.
