THIS has been one of those weeks when I wish I had the ability to be in several places at once! Notwithstanding the frenetic activity in Westminster this week, my first priority has been firmly on the continuing reaction to the latest poisoning incident and the sad death of Dawn Sturgess.

After accompanying the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, who visited both Amesbury and Salisbury on Sunday to meet those affected and to thank members of the emergency services, I was back again on Tuesday night for the public meeting and will be here again tomorrow and over the weekend.

I realise that, at the moment, there are many more questions than answers and people I have spoken to are expressing concern – for their health, their livelihoods and the reputation of our area.

The number one priority with the new investigation is the safety of the public and understanding when and where two individuals encountered the deadly nerve agent that was administered to Sergei Skripal on 4 March. I would encourage everyone in south Wiltshire to continue to stay calm and let the police do their job. I hope answers will be forthcoming very soon.

The working hypothesis is that the latest incident is the isolated result of discarded paraphernalia from the attack in March. The police will be doing all they can to work out exactly what happened to give complete reassurance and ensure no further risk to the public. I am resisting speculating on when and where Dawn and Charlie came into contact with Novichok until the full facts are known. It is important to recognise that the areas that have been cordoned off as a precautionary measure only and I am particularly mindful of the importance of reopening these sites as soon as possible – particularly Queen Elizabeth Gardens and the Town Path.

Over the last four months, a small number of constituents have been critical of the police, accusing them of overreacting, but the latest incident demonstrates that this is not a game or a PR exercise for the authorities. I was pleased that the Home Secretary was quick to confirm the government’s pledge to offer all assistance necessary to get the affected areas back on their feet and, as the investigation unfolds, I will be pushing hard for detail on what we can expect to see and when.

In the meantime, I am grateful to Wiltshire Council for quickly extending free parking to Amesbury – a gesture which proved to be very helpful in boosting footfall in Salisbury. A more comprehensive package will be required to support and re-charge the local economy – I am in conversation with ministerial colleagues and others.