Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan writes:

2016 was really the year of politics by paradox.

If you remember the American politician who said “There are known knowns and unknown knowns” – well, this year made that pronouncement seem crystal clear in comparison.

It is a year when democracy reasserted itself in a way that may have felt unfamiliar but which was innately true to the long history of parliamentary democracy.

It was a practical demonstration that people matter and they can make a change. It may seem like a mantra to say “Use your right to vote”, but this time anyone who responded “It doesn’t make a difference” had the evidence right in front of them that, yes, it does. Voting is a dynamic activity.

As we come close to the end of the year, as we await Royal Assent for the HS2 Bill, there have already been incidents where HS2 Ltd have not followed the correct procedures, as the build-up to the construction phase begins.

It is vitally important that they should do so and that they should respond as quickly as possible to the concerns of residents.

In response to my lobbying I have now had a positive response from HS2 who will establish a hotline for MPs in the New Year.

During the year I’ve had the great pleasure of attending events organised by volunteers and organisations across the length and breadth of Chesham & Amersham.

The common denominator is that people are giving up their time for the greater good of the community.

Those who work in our public services also do a fantastic job and as your Member of Parliament I am grateful for the work of all those who serve our community to make the Chilterns a great place to live and work.

With very best wishes for Christmas.