David Warburton MP writes:

These continue to be difficult times for all. If 2020 was a year of initial pandemic shock, then 2021 has been a year of both vaccines and uncertainty.

Our success in producing vaccines in a record-breaking time and the commitment of all those responsible for the rollout, including councils, the NHS, volunteers and an army of others has been nothing short of astonishing and is, I hope, our ticket to return to some sort of normality in this New Year.

Like many others, I very much hope that the New Year will not see a return of restrictions on our freedoms. We must learn how to live with this virus in exactly the way we have done with all other viruses throughout history.

As I write, the air hangs heavy with talk of a possible New Year lockdown, despite the memory of another year of uncertainty and fragility lying behind us. Booster jabs and warnings to limit our social interaction to limit the spread of the latest variant of the marching virus, all conspired to try and rob us of the special moment at Christmas and the end of the year when we would normally show our friendship and love for others and thank them for their support throughout the year.

Because, if anything reminds us of the importance of friends and family and the bonds that connect us, it's the Christmas and New Year period, when we all want to be together.

So I can only hope that 2022 brings in a different perspective. A new way to exist alongside the creeping virus without it forcing us to stretch those ligaments that join us together to breaking point.

This year will also see the Local Elections in May – the first in which we can choose who to represent us in a new Unitary Authority spanning the county. I very much hope we see a good turnout and I look forward to hitting the streets to campaign for our superb prospective councillors.

In itself, this represents a new beginning in the same way we adjust our way of lives to live with Covid. I hope we find that way forward, and I do look forward with hope and ambition to this New Year.

I'll certainly do everything possible to keep alive our values – of industry, kindness and common sense – both in Westminster and here in Somerset. There is much to do, and many new challenges to face. Like you, I'll be energetic, determined and persistent in facing these and helping to bring us together once more in exactly the way the Christmas we've just enjoyed reminds us to do.

And I wish you a wonderful 2022.