As the year comes to an end the main topic of conversation is the terrible weather.

It has caused real problems in our rural areas and for our farmers and, of course, those using our roads, railways and airports. The one bit of weather-related good news is that the coalition Government is retaining the winter fuel allowance.

It has been a difficult year in the region economically and the Government cuts continue to put pressure on many people. They are painful but also necessary to deal with the huge deficit left by the Labour Government.

But our region is resilient and I am confident that, working together, we can restore our fortunes and move ahead again.

In Europe, I and my fellow Conservative MEPs have fought to contain the EU budget. In my constituency I have been delighted to visit more schools, colleges, local authorities, businesses and other organisations across Yorkshire and the Humber than ever before this year.

I have been instrumental in gaining a large number of grants and other European financial support for projects in urban and rural areas across the region.

The demise of Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, in a year’s time, will result in a new approach to economic development in Yorkshire and The Humber.

I will be monitoring the replacement bodies closely to ensure they deliver and they will certainly have my full support.

Timothy Kirkhope, MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, Main Street, Scotton, North Yorkshire.