December 2024.

DECEMBER is a time when we come together and celebrate the power of community. It is a wonderful time of year: the carols, the traditions, the time with family and friends. In the darkest part of winter, when the nights are at their longest and coldest, we choose to light up our villages, sing together, and bring warmth into our communities. 

December is also a time to reflect on the year gone by – and what a year it has been, with major elections, anniversaries and sporting events. In the Euros, England captured the nation’s heart, reaching their first final only to narrowly miss victory against Spain. The Olympics showcased incredible feats of human spirit and resilience, with Team GB winning 14 Gold medals as well as both Tom Daley and Adam Peaty’s emotional silver medals and young Sky Brown’s remarkable bronze despite injury. These moments of triumph, hope, and national pride are when we see our country at its best. This year, of course, we also marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when the greatest seaborne invasion in history defended our freedom and democracy – men like our own Stan Hollis, awarded the only Victoria Cross that day. It is because of their service that we can enjoy our today.

It has been a significant year for our area too, with job losses at Woodsmith towards the start of the year and major flooding in Loftus, Skinningrove and Liverton Mines over the summer. I know how tough it can be to manage households and care for loved ones while dealing with these challenges. Yet amid these struggles, the response of our community has been remarkable. When times are hard, East Cleveland always shows what we do best: coming together to support those in need. In Loftus, Linda White worked with me to organise a jobs fair for those who lost work at Boulby and Woodsmith. In Skelton, John McCue led efforts to establish a ‘multibank’ centre, providing essential supplies to thousands of struggling families. Volunteers at organisations like Footprints, The Bridge, and East Cleveland Good Neighbours were unwavering in their commitment to helping those in need. This quiet, indomitable spirit of compassion for our neighbours is the best of British.

It has been a busy time for my team too, as I began the privilege of serving as your Member of Parliament. Since taking office, I have held 22 surgeries and helped over 700 people. My team of caseworkers and I have recovered more than £10,000 for local residents, including £4,900 in Pension Credit arrears and £4,000 in Universal Credit arrears. As our first MP from East Cleveland, my priority is helping people in our villages who need it most. If you need support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing luke.myer.mp@parliament.uk.

As we come together to celebrate, we remember that this Christmas will not be easy for everyone. My thoughts are with those bravely serving in our emergency services or our armed forces deployed far from home, and with those missing loved ones or feeling the weight of loneliness. If you are among them, know you are not alone. At the heart of the Christmas story is a message of hope in adversity; when the angels announced the birth of Christ, their message was “do not be afraid”. In a world of fear, there was hope. Even in the darkest times, there is always hope – and often from the unlikeliest places, whether a manger in a stable or the kindness of a neighbour. As we look ahead to 2025, I have every confidence that our shared strength, compassion, and community spirit will help us build a brighter future for our villages.

I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Luke Myer is the Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.

Local Support Contacts:

• East Cleveland Foodbank: Call 01287 635789 or visit www.eastcleveland.foodbank.org.uk for locations and opening times.
• The Bridge: Call 01642 225334 for support services and assistance.
• East Cleveland Good Neighbours: Call 01287 209295 for help with community support and volunteering services.
• Samaritans (24/7Support): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.orgfor confidential support at any time.