THIS week Parliament started with a statement from the Foreign Secretary responding to weekend allegations that the data-gathering centre GCHQ in Cheltenham circumvented the law to gain information on UK citizens.

I found his reassurances convincing and I have few doubts that UK security agencies adhere to the law.

My question about whether Britain needed more powers was answered by the Foreign Secretary who said that existing laws must always be under review.

MPs then heard a statement from the Defence Secretary about the future organisation of defence procurement and the evaluation process of different options that will be undertaken. It is hoped that changes here will achieve better value for money for the taxpayer.

I was intending to ask a question but, as is often the case in Parliament, I had to leave the chamber to meet a minister.

My concern is that the proposed Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) procurement maintains military expertise at its heart – saving money is crucial, but ensuring we maintain cutting edge hardware is equally important.

There were further announcements this week from the Education Secretary concerning improvements to GCSEs in England, proposed from 2015.

This will bring a new grading structure and a greater emphasis on exams at the end of two years rather than continuous assessment and coursework. I welcome these changes and the greater rigour to core subjects.

I look forward to meeting three local headteachers on Friday to discuss the changes and ongoing funding challenges. I will also be participating in St Joseph’s School’s Global Education Day, which will stress the importance of making education available to children around the world.

I was privileged to celebrate the success of Rachel Warnett, an apprentice at QinetiQ who was awarded the South East VQ Learner Award by the Skills Minister. Rachel is an impressive young woman who demonstrates the great value of apprenticeships and the great opportunities they afford young people.

It has been a notable week for awards around Amesbury – with NanoSight being awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for a second year running. Many congratulations to Dr Bob Carr and his growing team.