NEARLY every week seems to find a way to turn out busy, what with meetings, visits, receptions, committees and my PPS role.

However, this week had particular claim to be a ‘big week’, with an agenda full of long-awaited heavyweight matters of state.

It has seen the unveiling of the Spending Review, setting the government’s spending priorities to the next election and also of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Many constituents are understandably anxious about national security and seeking assurances the government will stick to a NATO target of two per cent of GDP on defence. I am pleased the SDSR not only achieves that but uses our growing economy to commit to investing £178 billion in defence – vital at a time when threats to our country are growing.

This country has some of the finest armed forces, counterterrorism police and security services in the world, deserving of investment.

On another note, I don’t always support the position of the Anglican church but, this week, I had to join them in protesting the ridiculous stance taken by Odeon and Vue Cinemas’ parent company in refusing to screen a 60-second advert featuring the Lord’s Prayer on the grounds that it ‘could cause offence’.

Given that adverts are there to be noted or disregarded as we see fit, I agree with the Archbishop of Canterbury that it is hard to see what could be offensive about a prayer.

At this time of year, reminders of faith are never far away.

Salisbury is gearing up for Christmas – with the switching on of the lights done and the Christmas market once again taking shape and I certainly hope it will be a successful one for the many local independent traders who have taken stalls in the hope of reaching a new audience and winning customers.

Today I am flying to Scotland as part of the Department of Work and Pensions Select Committee’s scrutiny of the Welfare Reform Bill. From there I will travel to Salisbury to chair a round-table on the Old Sarum airfield plans, then back to London to interview candidates for CEO of the Conservative Christian Fellowship, of which I am Parliamentary Chairman this year.