The festivities are looming and there are a few things I would like to share with you as we head towards Christmas.

Once again, our hospitality sector and high street shops are struggling as we continue to get to grips with Omicron, the latest Covid variant.

Footfall is down and from talking to those who run pubs and restaurants, many bookings have been cancelled or people are simply not even bothering to turn up for their table. Casual staff have had their shifts cut, just before Christmas.

Clearly, many are deciding to reduce their socialising to limit the risk of catching or spreading this virus.

Many businesses have invested in their premises to improve ventilation to keep us safe.

We need buoyant, sustainable, and successful high streets and hospitality businesses in East Devon as both are vital to the local economy.

I want you to know that I am once again lobbying the Treasury to consider bespoke financial support for those businesses affected by this significant drop in custom because of the latest developments.

I would also like to thank the many people we rely on at this time of the year who don’t get a festive break. The emergency services, NHS staff, carers, the RNLI, those working in retail or volunteering for a charity and many, many others.

Thank you for doing what you do and for the sacrifices you make every day. Christmas can be a challenging time for some, and we should all be grateful for those who go above and beyond to make it safe, bearable and a little less lonely for many.

Again, I am not sending any Christmas cards this year. I have donated the cost of sending cards across the constituency to support local charities in East Devon.

This year, I have donated to Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat, Budleigh Lions and Exmouth-based charity Rock2Recovery, which was setup by former Royal Marine Commandos to support veterans in our community.

Despite the current challenges we are all facing, may I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.