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30 Phonebox Magazine | January 2025I would fi rst like to thank everyone across Milton Keynes, Olney, Newport Pagnell and our wonderful villages for putting on some fantastic festive events throughout December. We have showcased the best of our community spirit, and it has been a real treat to end the year meeting so many amazing people and organisations at the Olney Christmas Tree Festival, Newport Pagnell High Street Christmas Fair, Stony Stratford High Street Christmas Light Switch On %u2013 to name a few! I%u2019d also like to extend a massive congratulations to the winners of the Olney Christmas Tree Festival, Help Ukraine BAMK UK.It%u2019s heartening to see the eff orts of so many local volunteers and organisers who make these occasions so special for all of us. Thank you for allowing me to share in the festive spirit of these brilliant events as your MP!As we enjoy the festive season, I hope everyone found some time to pause and refl ect on the things that matter most: family, friendship, and the spirit of generosity. However, while many of us gathered with loved ones, we must also remember those who face challenges during this time. Christmas can be particularly diffi cult for those struggling with loneliness, fi nancial hardship, or the loss of a loved one. Over Christmas day this year, more than 150,000 children will wake up in temporary accommodation due to the ongoing eff ects of the cost-of-living crisis.I am constantly inspired by the resilience and compassion of our community. From the volunteers at food banks and shelters to the countless acts of kindness I%u2019ve witnessed, our community has shown its strength. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all key workers for their dedication and hard work, ensuring our communities remain safe and supported%u2014your eff orts truly make the season brighter for all.As your MP, I carry that inspiration with me into the New Year. I am committed to redoubling my eff orts to tackle the issues we face: ensuring aff ordable housing for families, improving local healthcare services, tackling the costof-living crisis, and making our streets safer for everyone. Together, we can make Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas not just a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas but a supportive home for everyone, now and in the years to come.So, as we take down our Christmas trees, take up our new gym memberships, and attempt our New Year diets, let us also share our hope for a better future. Let us look out for our neighbours, lend a helping hand, and continue building the kind of community we can all be proud of.I remain committed to being a local voice focused on what truly matters to you. I look forward to keeping you updated throughout the coming months with what I get up to%u2014here are some recent highlights!Chris Curtis MP for MiltonKeynes NorthMy Work in ParliamentIn Westminster, I had the opportunity to praise the dedicated volunteers of the Newport Pagnell Flood Action Group, who have worked tirelessly following recent fl ooding. I would like to thank them, along with all the volunteers across the constituency, for working so hard to keep our communities safe.During Prime Minister%u2019s Questions, I asked the Prime Minister about the outdated leasehold system faced by residents across Milton Keynes, including in Redhouse Park. As your local MP, I will continue to use my voice in Parliament to raise the concerns of residents across the constituency.I am proud to have supported and voted for key legislation we promised to deliver:%u2022%u2002 The Water (Special Measures) Bill, to begin cleaning up our rivers, hold water company bosses accountable, and take action against those dumping sewage.%u2022%u2002 Legislation to bring our railways back into public ownership, ending the days when commuters are ripped off by private train companies.%u2022%u2002 The creation of GB Energy, to reduce our reliance on foreign oil and gas, while investing in clean, community-based energy and securing our energy independence.%u2022%u2002 A wave of workers%u2019 rights reforms, ending exploitative zero-hours contracts and providing essential rights, such as sick pay from day one.Celebrating Local BusinessesIn December, we marked #SmallBusinessSaturday, and I gave a shoutout to Annie%u2019s Tea Room in Newport Pagnell. Annie%u2019s Tea Room is a warm and welcoming spot for a hot drink, homemade cake, and more.I will continue my Small Business Saturday campaign in 2025. Please leave a comment on my Facebook page with your small business suggestions, and I%u2019ll be sure to visit!I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful festive season spent with loved ones and wish you all a positive start to the New Year. As always, please follow my Facebook page (@ChrisCurtisLabour) for frequent news and updates from both Westminster and our wonderful constituency.