As 2017 draws to a close I have been looking back at the year and looking ahead at what is to come in 2018.

It is once again that time of year, cold outside but joy is found in the great deal of festive events around Southend.

This week I have been focusing on the NHS, an issue which I know many of my constituents care about a great deal.

As we enter December and the advent period, we also enter a season of giving.

This year, my office will be getting into the spirit of giving in a slightly unusual way, by collecting stamps.

With a lot of inspiring people and organisations coming in ot brief MPs in the House, it is often difficult to find time to attend all these events.  That being said, I was glad I could attend the Fairer Game reception held by Betfair.

I am sure many of you have seen or read the news about worrying times in Zimbabwe.  I first heard the news about the unfolding situation on Tuesday last week and sought to dins out from the Speaker of the House if he had heard from the Foreign Office of any intention for a Minister to come to the

November is traditionally seen as a month of looking back.  We remember those who fought for us, we remember those who died for us, we remember those who defended this country.  We celebrate the deeds of our brave veterans.

This week has been another busy week in and around the constituency.

This Friday, I started off with a visit to Richmond Avenue Primary School where I was met by head teacher Ms Debbie Hughes and two school councillors, Ola and Henry.

This week I held a very different Surgery session.  Unlike regular scheduled surgeries held in my office the team and I travelled through Rochford and Southend on an Arrival bus.

As the clocks turn back this Sunday, 29th October and we head towards winter, I would like to urge my readers to consider getting the flu jab.