This week, Wycombe MP Steve Baker writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

Schools will close today and many people will begin to start their Christmas preparations.

With the move of Bucks into Tier 3 many people’s plans will be changing.

I am sorry this has happened, but we must comply with the new restrictions and work hard to look after one another.

I know children at home will be using the internet. Constituents write to me about regulating how children access social media, and the Government has responded with its Online Safety Bill to be introduced next year.

It will mean social media sites, websites, apps and other services will need to remove and limit the spread of illegal material and protect children from being exposed to harmful content such as grooming, bullying, pornography and suicide. The Online Safety Bill will ensure we enter a new age of accountability for tech, protecting children and vulnerable users, and enshrining in law safeguards for free speech.

Ofcom has been confirmed as the regulator with the power to fine companies failing in their duty of care up to £18 million or ten per cent of annual global turnover, whichever is higher.

The legislation also includes provisions to impose criminal sanctions on senior managers.

As I write, the UK Government and the EU have not come to agreement on a deal between us.

I regret a deal has not yet been reached in our mutual interests but the Prime Minister cannot give way on the basic requirement of having the freedom to set our own laws.

While the negotiations continue, I will not make public comment but I am following closely what is happening.

Parliament went into recess yesterday, but the Leader of the House has confirmed MPs will be recalled to Westminster over the Christmas period if a trade deal is agreed with the EU so that we can pass the necessary legislation.