THERE have been three main themes to the last month.

Firstly, there is even more evidence of the continued recovery in Britain’s economy, which is boosting business confidence and delivering more jobs. I welcomed a 15 per cent annual fall in local unemployment this month and met with representatives of the Local Economic Partnership to discuss funding from Government to support service leavers as they transition into new jobs.

Secondly, we have seen an easing in cost of living pressures, with a welcome fall in inflation driven by falling fuel and travel costs, and thirdly, Parliament has been busy with a renewed discussion of Britain’s relationship with Europe.

A Private Member’s Bill, which will guarantee a Referendum on Britain’s EU relationship by the end of 2017 has been debated on several Fridays in the House and I am very pleased to support the legislation as I think that the British people have been ignored when politicians discuss Britain’s relationship with Europe.

It was sad that the few members of the Labour Party who bothered to show up for the reading of the Bill did all they could to delay the process of legislation, but given the last government’s failure to give the people of Britain a vote on the Lisbon treaty, I can’t say I am surprised.

Finally, each November it is my solemn duty on Remembrance Day to lay a wreath on behalf of Parliament, and last week I joined the service in St Michael’s Church in Tidworth for an incredibly moving service.

Like millions across the country, I am proud to wear a poppy and salute those who have fallen – and the words “we will remember them” seem even more significant when spoken by a congregation full of soldiers and families in a packed church at the heart of Britain’s main garrison town.