CAROLINE ANSELL MP: Vaccine is brilliant news and an astonishing logistical feat

Alongside the virus-inspired threat for lives and livelihoods, this year has witnessed an outpouring of community spirit, generosity and bravery. Perhaps in the darkest of times, it can be easier to see the light too.

Looking back on a tumultuous year, I pay tribute to Eastbourne and Willingdon’s communities for pulling together in this year of adversity to help others. I am proud to represent such a kind and compassionate place.

And as I remember the many people I have worked with, I would like to say a heartfelt and resounding thank you to all those in the NHS, our care homes, the emergency services, rail staff and lorry drivers, the armed forces, utilities, shop workers, school teams and countless others who have worked so hard this year - and during this festive season. The fact is our town would not have coped these last 10 months without your sterling commitment and contribution.

Looking forward, Covid still grips us but that grip will lessen as more and more receive the jab.

Breaking reports, as I write, is that the AstraZeneca/University of Oxford vaccine has been given the green light and will be deployed from Monday which is both brilliant news and an astonishing logistical feat.

This vaccine is easier to store and will supercharge the vaccine programme and thus our 2021 emergence from the pandemic.

Be confident in it. Approval has been exactly the same as in other vaccines -no corners have been cut and approval has been by independent experts.

Throughout history vaccines have saved lives from smallpox to polio and that is an indisputable fact. I’ll be raising a glass on New Year’s Eve to scientists everywhere.

As I write this column it is also the day Parliament has been recalled to vote on the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill. This is a political grand finale to 2020 to rival last year’s Christmas snap General Election.

The passage of the Bill will mean the government delivers on Brexit and the country regains control of its laws, borders and, in time, fishing.

It’s really important to say we have not turned our back on the continent. The UK and our European friends remain allies and remain committed to working together in important areas such as security and climate change.

However, this is a new future for the UK and it is for us to make it exciting one.

As sure as night follows day, there will be challenges ahead and difficult days but opportunities to lay hold of too and times to celebrate and I close by sending you every good wish for 2021, take good care, cherish all those you love and reach out to all you can, New Year can feel like a particularly lonely time.