Dai Havard

Labour Party | Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney

Goodwill to all - Fairness for All

11 December 2009

"I write to give you all my good wishes for Christmas and the New Year and to share in your hopes that the year ahead will be a peaceful and productive one.

At Christmas our thoughts turn to the year past and the one to come. We sing the carol 'peace on earth and good will to all mankind' but know that is hard to achieve and whilst that message is at the heart of the message of Christmas it will not be evident in the troubled and politically unstable lands of the birth of Christ and other troubled lands. In our communities goodwill is expressed in the commitment of all those who will be working for us in the holiday period. Our Police, Health workers and 'Posties' who deliver our cards and presents and all those who protect, care and minister to those less fortunate.

It is also expressed by those who work for us far from home, both Military and civilian - defending us and helping others in far less fortunate and peaceful places - and who can not be home at Christmas. Fascism and nihilistic terror stalk the world and many are sacrificing to protect us.

All these individuals, along with good neighbours, show us why the messages of goodwill and collective care and concern are at the Well-spring of making the progress we all wish. The last year has been a violent and turbulent time in international affairs and the effects of the greed induced financial spasm of international capitalism is still being felt and only now revealed in its full extent. We have great hopes for the Copenhagen conference and we must plan well to make the progress we wish against a difficult background.

Goodwill is not however hapless, unconditional or unthinking and must also mean fairness for all if it is to protect us. Those who would choose protectionism, jingoism, xenophobia and separatist agendas will need to be rejected if we are to achieve that. As we enjoy our celebrations and hope for a more peaceful and prosperous New Year; let’s remember, thank and celebrate all those who give care and concern - not just at Christmas - and return it to them. I hope your wishes for the New Year serve you well. Seasons Greetings - Cyfarchion y Tymor - to you all."