We are very fortunate in Hertsmere to have a vibrant, diverse and welcoming borough. I see this constantly when I’m out in our area, whether it’s visiting our great schools such as Immanuel College and the Purcell, going to community events like Aldenham Arts Festival, or attending our wonderful local churches, mosques, synagogues and temples.

At the time of writing it is just after Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a special time for all those celebrating in the Jewish community. We have also just celebrated the Harvest festival, and Diwali is around the corner, for which I am very much looking forward to attending the fantastic celebrations at Bhaktivedanta Manor.

I take great comfort from these events and seeing so many different people coming together. They remind us that we have so much more in common as a community than anything that divides us.

As readers will know only too well, politics and events in Westminster at the moment can be highly charged and confrontational. While I have strong disagreements with colleagues across the House, I always strive to robustly argue with their points, without resorting to crude and inflammatory comments about them personally. In this spirit, I continue to hold constituency surgeries across Hertsmere and encourage all residents to come along if you have any thoughts or concerns that you would like to discuss with me in person.

It is crucial that during such a challenging political time, we continue to listen to every single point of view and promote civility in public life.