What a year it has been for the people of Chippenham and North Wiltshire.

Outstanding in all of our minds are the terrible events of September 11 although we are thankful for the success of military action in Afghanistan so far.

I was pleased and proud to be asked by Iain Duncan Smith to become a Shadow Defence Minister and to play some small part in helping to form our reaction to international terrorism.

Defence has always been an interest of mine. Locally I am immensely proud of the contribution RAF Lyneham and their superb fleet of Hercules transport planes makes to the defence of the nation. I will fight to stop any planned closure of the base. The Defence Communication Services Agency in Corsham, the Signals Regiment at Colerne and the Royal Logistics Corps based at Hullavington, together with nearby Salisbury Plain, make defence a key constituency interest of mine.

The countryside, which still gives the area its flavour, remains in crisis. Foot and mouth had a devastating effect on our farmers and they are still suffering, together with supporting industries who are dependent on a vibrant agricultural economy. So too is the tourist industry which is very important in an area like this.

The Government must take urgent action to save Britain's farmers and restore the prosperity of rural areas.

We are all thankful that we live in an economically successful area with low unemployment and a relatively high disposable income, compared to many parts of Europe.

However, some black clouds are beginning to appear on the horizon and I will be doing what I can during the year to help preserve the profitability of the businesses on which this area depends.

We enjoy a high quality of life in North Wiltshire with a decent environment, strong businesses and a peaceful way of life. It is up to all of us to work together and to make sure we preserve it.

With my very best wishes to you all for a very happy 2002.

James Gray MP