Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan writes: 

As the New Year approaches, this is traditionally the time for people to decide and make New Year resolutions.

Commonly ranging from committing to a new exercise regime to being nicer to others, having a firm goal for the following year is an important part of achieving it.

The successful delivery of Brexit is key. While the Government could have any number of New Year resolutions, this is top of the list for 2018. The most common definition of ‘a successful Brexit’ is one that is successful economically.

A key measure and a crucial objective of our negotiations is to maintain a mutually beneficial trading relationship with our European cousins, and rightly so. 

In addition to this, I would stress that a successful Brexit is one that is successful in terms of maintaining and strengthening the European community.

Keeping the symbolic and important relationships between our countries is in the interests of all countries involved. This time last year, I was in Germany singing with our counterparts in the Bundestag Choir. 

A successful Brexit is one that separates us from the EU as an institution, but not from Europe – and I have no doubt that this is what will happen. With the successful conclusion of phase one of our negotiations with the EU earlier this month, we can feel encouraged as we enter 2018.

On a personal note for 2018, I am delighted that my campaign to improve awareness of autism in schools has resulted in a module about autism being included in the initial teacher training programme for the first time, starting in the New Year. 

Universal teacher training on this crucial issue will be a long-term gain for our education system, and will make a huge difference to countless children. 2018 will be an important, busy and exciting year.

I look forward to the progress to be made in our constituency and country, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

All that remains is for me to wish you a very happy, peaceful and joyful New Year.