• What have you learned from 2023 that you're bringing into 2024? 

2023 has been another eventful, tempestuous, and challenging year. I have learned to make the most of the time I have both as your Member of Parliament, and a minister, serving the public. As always, I have learned to cherish and protect what we have, especially family and friends. 

I know that many in the Jewish community will continue to feel the aftershock of the events of 7 October. It is difficult to find words to describe the barbarity of the Hamas terror attacks that we witnessed last year in Israel. As a staunch friend of Israel and the Jewish community I will continue in my unwavering support. I hope you all can take comfort in the strength and togetherness that the community has already shown. The spirit of light and hope will ultimately prevail over darkness. 

• What was your biggest highlight of the past year? 

I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting a number of local schools, synagogues, community groups, charities, businesses and more. It has been wonderful meeting so  any of you out and about in Hertsmere and I look forward to catching up with you all while I am out and about in the New Year. 

I was also deeply honoured to be asked by the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak to serve as the Deputy Prime Minister and to continue having the opportunity to play and important part in Government and to continue tackling the issues that matter most to the people of this country. 

We also turned a page in our nation’s history when we celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III. I know many across Hertsmere were able to mark this new chapter by coming together to celebrate the defining and momentous occasion. 

• What are you most excited for this year? 

It is a pleasure to meet so many of you out and about in Hertsmere, and I look forward to some of our wonderful local events such as Bushey Performing Arts Festival, Radlett Festival, Shenley Fete, and many more. 

I also hope to get a break with my family. We climbed Scafell Pike in 2023 and are going to climb Snowden in 2024! 

• What do you anticipate will be your biggest challenge? 

I know that this is still a deeply worrying time for the Jewish community. Many people have friends and family in Israel, and many more fear for consequences on our streets here in the UK. We must guard against the terror and hate of this attack spilling over to terror and hate of this attack spilling over to terror and hate against the Jewish community. 

I remain extremely concerned about the burden being put on our green open spaces by development pressure. Growing up locally, I understand how vital it is to protect this. I will continue to make the case to protect our greenspaces that surround our towns and villages in Bushey/Radlett for future generations. 

• Come the end of this year, what will you hope to have achieved? 

As many of you know, I am very concerned about the burden being put on our green open spaces by development pressure, particularly on sites such as Shenley Hill and Letchmore Heath. While I feel constructive about the government’s announcement on mandatory housebuilding targets, allowing a more tailored approach to Hertsmere, I will continue to fight tooth and nail on behalf of residents to ensure that our precious greenbelt is protected. 

Radlett 

Like many residents, I have long been frustrated by the poor accessibility and lack of lifts at Radlett Station. Rail users must climb the many stairs up to the footbridge to access the trains. This is increasingly challenging for rail users who use wheelchairs, cannot climb stairs or even those who travel with prams and luggage. At the beginning of last year, I once again nominated Radlett for Access for All Funding, and I am glad that the Department for Transport and Network Rail will be in a position to announce successful stations shortly. 

Bushey 

Many residents have also been in touch regarding the difficulties they face at Bushey Station in relation to the large gap between the train and the platform. This is particularly difficult for those who are wheelchair users or are travelling with prams and luggage. I have written to the Transport Secretary, Transport for London, and the train companies to lobby them and raise residents’ concerns. I am hoping that we will be able to get some movement on this and will update residents accordingly. 

I will also be continuing my work defending the countryside, improving public transport, and helping to secure investment for our local schools and GP surgeries. 

As always, if you need help, please do get in touch with me at [email protected]