AS 2017 approaches, it is time to look back and reflect on a very eventful year.

The result of the EU referendum, a new Prime Minister and Donald Trump elected president of America.

The Conservative Government is focussed on delivering the best possible deal for the United Kingdom as we prepare to leave the European Union.

Whatever the outcome in the Supreme Court, Theresa May has repeatedly made clear it is the Government’s intention to invoke Article 50 before the end of March. She is right to do so.

Whether you voted Remain, as I did, or for Leave, we are all Brexiteers now. The campaign is over and we must come together and get on with facing the challenges that inevitably come with such huge political and constitutional change.

I am pleased to report the Conservative Government stands united. In contrast to the opposition benches, there is no appetite for fighting old battles, no desire to ignore the democratically expressed will of the people and no push for holding a second referendum.

The Autumn Statement, delivered by our new Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, was a fine illustration of this. He was frank about the need for this country to raise its productivity levels. But, by setting out a range of positive measures to help working people, families and businesses, he made clear that the future remains bright.

2017 will see a rise in the tax-free personal allowance of £500 to £11,500. It will go up by a further £1,000 before the end of this Parliament. Mr Hammond also confirmed the National Living Wage will rise from £7.20 to £7.50, resulting in an annual increase of £500 for the lowest paid.

There will continue to be security challenges in 2017 as we face the ongoing terrorist threat of ISIL/Daesh and the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

I would like to wish you a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

KRIS HOPKINS MP for Keighley & Ilkley