I WAS delighted to have been briefed by the chief executive and chairman of the Arts Council on an arts announcement that directly impacts Salisbury – the decision to award our arts community a grant of £5.1million from 2018-22.

This is a significant moment in the history of arts and culture in Salisbury and marks a massive opportunity to preserve and enhance the distinctive offerings of The Playhouse, Arts Centre and International Arts Festival.

When the three organisations met with me back in early May to tell me of their plans to take some time to explore back office and managerial synergies, while each preserving their creative independence, it was clear that they shared a common ambition for the arts in Salisbury and were excited by the possibilities of working more closely together.

I could not be more pleased that their plans are already being hailed as a model for what needs to happen elsewhere in the country to preserve the vibrancy and variety of regional arts and culture.

When the organisations are ready, I am especially committed to seeing an even better Arts Festival restored to its rightful place in the city’s cultural calendar in 2019, as well as to supporting Salisbury Museum in future bidding rounds.

Salisbury has always been a significant hotspot for culture and the arts and this investment, set against the backdrop of challenging public finances, is a real testament to the quality of its output and the farsightedness of its approach.

In Parliament, the week has been dominated by the finalising of a confidence and supply deal with the DUP.

This is not a merging of agendas but it does bring welcome and necessary stability to government. I am clear that governing in the national interest will mean delivering a successful Brexit that works for the whole country. It means building on our economic record of more jobs, cutting the deficit and investing more in public services like the NHS. It means tackling the social issues we face in the country: issues like mental health, housing, and proper technical education for young people.

On Friday, I am back in Salisbury for a full day of meetings and an advice surgery.