Looking ahead to brighter days from the Ealing Central and Acton Conservative MP
"It's been a pretty wild Christmas this year as far as the weather's concerned but I hope that it has also been a happy time for everyone despite the wind and rain.
Looking back over 2013, I would say the past year has also had its ups and downs across Ealing and Acton. Obviously it was not the news we had been hoping for when we learnt that the A and Es at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith hospitals are to close but there was relief that we are to keep the bigger A and Es at Charing Cross and Ealing hospitals.
Many, like me, will also be dismayed, that it seems we may be facing yet another fight to keep Heathrow airport from building a third runway. I shall certainly be doing all I can to ensure that what airport expansion London gets does not come at the expense of the health of West Londoners or their environment. But there is plenty of good news to savour too: the economy is growing and the growth looks set to accelerate with some reports suggesting the UK may be amongst the fastest growing in the Western world. We also have a record number of people in employment. The Chancellor has announced a set of measures to help small businesses including a cap of business rates and £1,000 business rate relief for many smaller businesses which will certainly help to boost our high streets and our local community.
"Parliament returns next week and I am looking forward to continuing to work hard for all my constituents both in the House of Commons and out and about across Ealing and Acton. In the meantime I would like to wish everyone a very happy 2014 - and some better weather!"
Angie Bray
31st December 2013