As 2012 draws to a close, I am proud to call London my home following what was a truly amazing year for Brentford and Isleworth and the UK as a whole. During a somewhat wet June, all of our spirits were elevated by the energy and enthusiasm created by the pomp and pageantry of Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee events. Brentford and Isleworth joined in the celebration and I had the pleasure of attending a number of street parties in the local area.
Only a few short weeks after the excitement of the Jubilee, London opened its arms and welcomed the world to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics. From the stunning opening ceremony, the trials and tribulations of the athletes' endeavours, and the outstanding performance of Team GB and the Paralympians, the London Olympics and Paralympics 2012 showcased the very best that the UK has to offer. The hard work and dedication put in by our athletes was clear with Team GB winning 65 medals, including 29 Golds. Our Paralympians added 34 Golds, overall adding 120 medals to the total; an incredible display which landed both teams in third place in the medal tables. I had the pleasure of congratulating Peter Reed MBE at a special ceremony at Hounslow Council where he was presented with the Freedom of the Borough for his outstanding achievements. Mo Farah’s award was collected on his behalf by the inspirational Alan Watkinson, his former PE teacher and School Sports Partnership Head for the Borough.
I have had the opportunity to represent you both in Parliament and at meetings and events in the constituency. I attended the Welcome Home Parade for the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, who returned from deployment in Afghanistan. It was an important ceremony for the local community to show our respect for the armed forces and the sacrifices they make on a daily basis. In the Chamber, I asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon. George Osborne MP about the creation of jobs in the private sector, citing Aker Solutions in Chiswick as an example. We have many great businesses in the constituency and it is vital that we do everything we can to support them.
Looking ahead to the New Year, we want to build on the legacy of 2012.
Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings,