If 2017 was a busy year as a newly elected MP, then 2018 looks set to be even more so.

Brexit will continue to dominate national headlines, as we draw closer to the deadline for leaving. I hope that 2018 becomes a year where jobs, employment rights and other important pieces of regulation are safeguarded and developed, and where possible, trade and business opportunities maximised as we move towards the EU exit door.

Locally I’ll be campaigning for concrete action on transport links for our area, and movement on the re-opening of the Mid Cheshire branch line, following the encouraging response to my ask about this from the Transport Secretary last month. I will also be working with council colleagues to see progress on Barons Quay.

The campaign against fracking will be stepped up. As long as this government continues to preside over a system that puts the interests of fracking companies before the views of local residents, then I fear that we will see more and more attempts to introduce it locally. They will be met with huge opposition from the community and Labour colleagues and we will not give up the fight.

On a more positive note I’ll be working to bring more good quality apprenticeships to Weaver Vale. In February, I’ll be hosting a meeting with key figures locally to see how we can increase the number and variety of apprenticeships available to make sure that our young people have access to real choice in the future.

It’s a disgrace that colleges such as Vale Royal and Warrington are £363,000 short of what would be a fair funding level due to government approach to financing further education and I’ll be raising this – alongside a drive to make sure our public servants get the pay rise they deserve.

I also hope that 2018 will be the year the “Devolution Deficit” in our area closes, with Cheshire given the control and powers over transport, skills, and funding that Merseyside already has.

Finally, it’s already been an incredible privilege to serve all the people of Northwich. I’m delighted to stand up for you in the House of Commons, so do please get in touch if you think there is anything I can do to assist you, or our area, and I’ll be delighted to help out.