FROM the opening of the Sunbridgewells tunnels complex in Bradford to the vote to leave the EU, 2016 has been an eventful year in the district.

Here, prominent figures give their reflections on the past 12 months and hopes for the year ahead.

Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley:

“2016 has been a year where the political elites have been shown to be completely out of touch with the public mood. The vote to leave the EU and the victory of Donald Trump in the US have been the big political stories of the year.

“Closer to home the proposal of Bradford Council to concrete over big chunks of green belt in my constituency has shown that political elites locally can be equally out of touch.

“Having persuaded the Government to put a stop to those plans, my main hope locally in 2017 is that we will see the Government insist the Council change them.

“I also look forward to the Government and Parliament finally triggering Article 50 to begin the process of leaving the EU to honour the result of the referendum.

“At this time, we must think of our armed forces - especially those who will be away from their families at Christmas serving their country.

“I wish all readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy and peaceful New Year, and in doing so hope we have no repeat of the terrible floods which blighted many of my constituents a year ago.”

Kris Hopkins, Conservative MP for Keighley:

“The EU Referendum result, a new Prime Minister and Donald Trump’s election as US President made 2016 a year to remember.

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

“Theresa May has 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.

“Next year 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.

“The Chancellor has also confirmed that 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 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.”

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West:

“I would like to take the chance to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

"2016 has been nothing if not different and has largely been associated with the word ‘unprecedented’. We are yet to understand how Brexit will affect us, or if a new Prime Minister will turn away from austerity and truly invest in the north.

“Locally we have had some highs and lows, with some great local achievements. Some that come to my mind are the Literature Festival, Bradford Curry Festival and North Parade being named in the top five high streets. We have seen investment in the Imax theatre and funding for the Odeon secured.

“But with the uncertainty of 2016, the following year will still be immensely challenging. My priorities when elected were to focus on investment, transport and education. The biggest challenge on the horizon will be to protect the budgets for our schools and nurseries in Bradford West. Which this government seems to determined to cut.

“2017 provides us with another opportunity to grasp everything that is great about this city, and we cannot let another generation of our young people be left behind by this government.”

Imran Hussain, Labour MP for Bradford East:

“After what has certainly proven to be an interesting year if nothing else, I would like to wish my constituents and all residents of Bradford best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, and I hope that all of your hopes for 2017 are seen through.

“I myself have set a number of New Year’s Resolutions, including continuing to stand up for people in Bradford who are worse off than others and those who aspire to improve their lives, and progressing my campaign to improve education in the District that has already had some success with the announcement of a Northern Schools Strategy.

“However at this time of year I, like many other people, think of my family and friends whose support is invaluable to me, but whom I have not been able to see as much as I would like since my election, and therefore on a personal note, I hope to be able to spend more time with them in the New Year.”

Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South:

“This year has been uniquely difficult, not least in politics. The Brexit vote and all the uncertainty surrounding how Britain will leave the EU bring us unprecedented challenges amid a fluctuating political landscape here and all around the world.

“Many of these challenges will be central to the focus of politicians throughout 2017. And politicians of all parties and at all levels must rise to meet these.

“The challenges we face locally are no less difficult.

“Bradford Council is being forced to make yet more cuts, forcing them to lay waste to yet more of our local social, community and sporting sector. How we cope with this further onslaught is the key local challenge of 2017.

“In Bradford South we need to make sure we emerge from 2017 with libraries, with community organisations that can function and with those in need getting the help they should.

“Not least we must save our Bradford Bulls and safeguard the important place it has not just in rugby league but in our community and city.

“My resolution is to carry on working as hard as I can for the people of Bradford South, no matter what is thrown at us and what challenges arise.

“2017 will be difficult in so many ways but I hope for all of or sakes it will be a better year than the last one. Can I wish all your readers a happy and peaceful new year.”

Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire:

“We have had some challenging and deeply awful times in 2016.

“The brutal murder of the wonderful Jo Cox MP is a day that our communities and I will not forget, but it is also important for us to remember the incredibly our communities responded.

“Millions of pounds have been raised for good causes following the murder of Jo, thousands of people lined the streets of Wakefield to show their respects at the funeral of a father and daughter killed in a house fire, and there was a large and continuing response to the Boxing Day flooding in Bradford, Leeds and Calderdale over the past 12 months.

“I have just released the new Police and Crime Plan following extensive consultation and have made commitments to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, safeguard vulnerable people, make sure criminals justice works for our communities and to support victims and witnesses.

“I will be working tirelessly with the police and with our many partners but also with our communities, to deliver on these commitments set out in the plan.

“I am sure 2017 will bring many challenges as well as opportunities and we will carry on learning and understanding lessons and never be complacent.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council:

“Our district has experienced challenges this year but we’ve also had achievements. It’s clear that Bradford is on the up. Looking forward to 2017, we can achieve more great things by working together.

“Although Government is reducing our funding, our ambitions for the district are undimmed.

“Bradford has huge growth potential still to be realised. Our proud history, large young population and unique qualities make us well placed to be at the heart of the North’s resurgence.

“We are entrepreneurial and outward-looking. We have a strong business community. We live in a great place with a mix of urban centres and beautiful countryside. We have global links. We welcome enterprise, hard work and diversity.

“More than ever we must fight our corner and shout about what makes this a great place to invest in. We must not settle for second best. As a council we are working hard to promote Bradford beyond our borders.

“At the same time we cannot shy away from our challenges. These are uncertain times. It’s vital that we work together as a district because united we can rise to those challenges and ensure everyone gets the opportunities they deserve.

“I wish you all a happy Christmas and a successful new year.”

Kersten England, chief executive of Bradford Council:

“My overriding hope is that we continue the great progress that Bradford’s made in 2016.

“What a year it’s been, showcasing the very best of our district, its community spirit, enterprise and sheer determination starting with people pulling together in the January floods to December’s opening of the unique Sunbridgewells.

“In between we’ve seen a resurgent city centre go from strength to strength, curry capital won yet again, the literature festival blossom and the national rugby league museum secured for Bradford.

“Our reputation as a young, dynamic and culturally vibrant district is growing.

“Looking ahead to 2017, the new Hockney Gallery, the Tour de Yorkshire and the Royal Exhibition at Cartwright Hall will help cement our burgeoning status as a place to live, visit, work and study.

“We face some significant challenges. With Council budgets continuing to reduce there will have to be big changes and we need everyone to play their part in making the district better.

“By pulling together and building on the best of Bradford I am confident we will keep making progress now and for years to come.

“All of us at the Council wish you a happy Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.”

The Right Rev Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford:

"I'm looking forward to 2017. It's has the makings of a challenging year, both internationally and more locally too.

"But challenges can bring out the best in us, individually and as communities.

"Our Diocese here in the Church of England has a new strap line: 'living, loving, learning'. It's a good approach to take into the New Year.

"Jesus shows us how being confident in God's love helps us to keep living, loving and learning, whatever challenges the months ahead throw at us.

"So may we both be blessed and be a blessing for others. Happy New Year!"

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