A Christmas message from your MP Charlie Dewhirst

As we reach Christmas and the end of another busy year as your Member of Parliament, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on a hugely rewarding time in which I remain very proud to represent our fantastic part of the world.

While this year has been challenging for many, I have made it a priority to speak up for our local interests at every turn.

At the time of writing this note, I’ve spoken in the chamber of the House of Commons 119 times and tabled over 640 written questions to Ministers, holding the Government to account for their decisions.

I’ve worked closely with the relevant authorities to push for better health and dental care, improved SEND support for families, and ongoing water investment to protect our coastal communities. Alongside the Shadow Farming Minister, I also met Humberside Police’s Rural Task Force to hear more about their work tackling and preventing rural crime. I know these are issues that matter deeply to local people, and I will continue pushing for meaningful improvements in 2026.

Supporting our local businesses has also been a key focus. From hospitality venues and local stores to our fishermen – these are the backbones of our community.

Labour’s tax raids, rising costs, and red tape are threatening their existence, and I have continued to stand firmly against harmful policies – particularly their plans to increase Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief. These changes would hit farmers, family businesses and rural communities hard, and I have been proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with local farmers on Whitehall at each opportunity throughout the year.

This autumn I hosted a ‘Digital Garage’ event with Google in Bridlington to help local firms access free mentoring, explore the potential of digital tools and AI, and strengthen their online presence. It was fantastic to bring so many entrepreneurs together and see the innovation and determination that drive our local economy.

It’s also been a pleasure to celebrate our community through initiatives like my Christmas Card Competition and the Pub of the Year Competition – both excellent demonstrations of the pride we have in our local area. At the start of this year, I was also able to secure a spot for The Wold Top Brewery as the guest ale in the Parliamentary bar, showcasing a fantastic local business.

I looking forward to continuing to work hard on your behalf throughout 2026, and if I can ever be of help to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email: [email protected].

I wish everyone across Bridlington, Driffield, Hornsea, Market Weighton and The Wolds a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy New Year!’