Christmas message from Bognor's MP

2007 has been dominated locally by the fight to save St Richard's Hospital and Worthing Hospital. I hope that 2008 will see the uncertainty over the future of our hospitals resolved in a way that ensures the full accident and emergency units and the maternity units at both hospitals are saved.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Dec 2007, 13:58 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:02 BST

Thank you to everyone who attended marches and public meetings during the year and who signed the petitions. That response has been crucial in the ongoing fight to save these wonderful hospitals.

2007 saw a change of prime minister and many people had thought that 2008 would see a general election, at which voters would have the opportunity to decide whether after 11 years of a Labour government it is time for a change. But Gordon Brown has made it clear that an election next year is unlikely. Whatever our politics, I am sure we all wish him good fortune as he leads our country through difficult economic times in an uncertain and violent world.

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At this time of year, I think it is important to remember what unites us. Despite political issues that concern us all: economic, social and international, this is still a wonderful country in which to live.

Britain is a free, prosperous and tolerant nation. We sometimes forget how fortunate we are to live in a democratic country. As Winston Churchill once said, "Democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time."

Politics can be frustrating and it inevitably means compromises. But provided debate is honest and based on principle rather than self interest, there is no finer way for a country to reach decisions.

I wish everyone in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton a merry Christmas and an optimistic and happy 2008.

Related topics:BognorBritainPoliticsLabourGordon BrownLittlehampton