PARLIAMENT is back in full swing and I began my schedule with a ministerial visit to the Innovation Lab at Lloyds of London and then to Chair the Financial Services Trade and Investment Board.

Meanwhile, Parliament is dominated by continued analysis of the ongoing Brexit negotiations, a process which remains challenging, involving complex discussions over how to honour the decision the UK made to leave the EU, while minimising the economic impact of exiting the bloc.

What is obvious though is that time is now pressing, and clarity is urgently required.

I recognise the widespread apprehensiveness about the Chequers Plan but, at the moment, I have yet to see a realistic or achievable alternative being put forward. The eventual solution must pass the acid test of honouring the referendum result while also being able to command the support of a majority of the House of Commons.

Ministers will be working very closely to look at all the nuanced options as we build up to the European Council in October.

On Friday, I look forward to a visit to Salisbury District Hospital, a chat with a head teacher, a full surgery, and a meeting with the Property Ombudsman.

I will also be spending some time with Alabaré, officially opening the new Salisbury Men’s Shed. This new facility will help reduce isolation and loneliness, and support men’s health and wellbeing through learning new practical skills.

This week marks six months since the original Skripal poisoning in Salisbury, which brought the community and many businesses under considerable strain.

The impact continues to be felt but I remain optimistic about the long-term recovery.

I welcome the opportunity to spend some time on Friday with Amesbury town councillors talking about their plans to mitigate the impact of the poisoning of Dawn and Charlie on business in their town.

On Saturday morning, I hope to be out and about in Harnham, knocking on some doors and chatting to residents about issues of concern to them.