As I write Spring is springing exuberantly over a sun-drenched Pewsey Vale. But it is still very, very wet. Across the constituency, fields are sodden and village roads are awash with the overflow from drains and ditches.
It's important to remember that the primary job of farmers is to produce food for us to eat - thus ensuring our food security and maintaining a viable rural economy. It's right that the Government also subsidises pro-nature activity on farmland if this comes at a cost to farmers.
I recently visited Great Bedwyn Primary School and met with the Principal, Michelle Perrett, and a group of concerned Governers to discuss the future of the school.
Very concerned to find ongoing flooding and sewage issues in Aldbourne and Ogbourne St Andrews. I met residents in both villages today to hear about the persistent problems here.
My speech in perhaps the most important debate this Parliament: are we ready for war? Recent Defence Committee and Public Accounts Committee reports show we are not.
Today I asked the Transport Minister when we can expect a decision on future of the north-south road network through Wiltshire. Marlborough is choked with lorries and the Ogbournes, Collingbournes and other villages suffer from unacceptable heavy goods traffic.
