THIS month saw Parliament recalled from recess as British military action in the Middle East is back on the agenda.

Our government led efforts to tackle the threat to us all arising from the lawless and barbaric organisation of extremists known as Isis and I joined those voting for targeted air strikes last week in Iraq and am encouraged to see an international coalition forming, including the involvement of Arab states.

We have to all work together to defeat this threat and local and regional military involvement are must haves in the current situation.

Last month my column contained not a word of text on the Scottish referendum and for that I apologise as, despite campaigners saying for ages that it was potentially the most significant event in 300 years of constitutional history, the implications of a vote for separation seemed to suddenly burst upon all of us.

Even people who had never been north of the border suddenly became eloquent in their fervent support for the union and it was heartening to see the Prime Minister stand up for togetherness and put the country above narrow party interests.

The strong victory for the Better Together campaign was a great result for the United Kingdom and it also shows there is a strong appetite for real political debate, engagement and participation – all of which bodes well for the referendum on Britain’s relationship with the EU which will be delivered by the next Conservative government.

By contrast I make no apologies for mentioning once again my Independent Shop of the Year competition, which saw thousands of votes cast and excellent local winners like Trotters Equine and Country Store in Tidworth and Upavon.

I am looking forward to seeing all the winners at the business dinner later this month and to celebrating our great local shopping.