MY week started with the surreal of experience of getting up at the crack of dawn to sit a 6.30am exam at the Royal College of Defence Studies, helpfully scheduled so as not to impinge on my parliamentary commitments.

My studies continue with just a 15,000 word dissertation to complete before August!

This week is all about the Queen’s Speech, the government’s chance to set out its priorities for this parliament.

One major task, the renegotiation of our relationship with Europe, is already well under way, with Jean-Claude Juncker visiting the Prime Minister at Chequers as he seeks to make good on his election promise and deliver on his mandate for reform.

It remains to be seen what concessions will be forthcoming on important matters such as migration and access to benefits, but I certainly hope that a sufficiently reformed relationship with Europe can be carved out, such that membership will prove to be in the best interests of Britain. It is pleasing to know that for the first time in 40 years, the Government will deliver a referendum and allow the country to have its say on this significant issue.

At the weekend, I joined the 800-year celebrations at St Nicholas Hospital, my first engagement alongside the new Mayor of Salisbury and sure to be the first of many.

Of course, Friday night marked the launch of Salisbury Festival, with the remarkable spectacle of four choirs performing simultaneously from the four corners of the Market Square.

Salisbury has a fortnight of cultural treats ahead, not to mention the wonderful Turner exhibition at the museum. It is a fabulous achievement to bring so many of Turner’s views of Salisbury and its cathedral together under one roof and is sure to attract legions of visitors to appreciate our fine city and support our local businesses.

I was delighted last week to be appointed by the Prime Minister to be PPS to the new Business Secretary, following the elevation of my previous boss to a knighthood.

I look forward to making a contribution to the government in my new role and to bringing to bear my 13 years of experience in business and of growing up in a small business in Wiltshire.