THE last few months have been plagued by evil acts of terror and tragedy which have left many questioning what our country is coming to. These are acts of evil and should not be dressed up as anything else. Evil must never win and we must tackle terrorism head-on, which is why the new four-point strategy will include a de-radicalisation programme and tackle both violent and non-violent extremism in schools and universities. Thirdly, the majority of Muslims who share our values will be supported to make their voice heard with funding and political representation. The fourth part of the strategy is to build a more cohesive society. This means ensuring people learn English and integrate with surrounding communities.

We also need to invest more in our security services to deal with the challenge and I welcome the extra £2.5 billion that we are going to give the security services over the next five years to combat terrorism, which includes funding for an additional 1,900 staff at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ, as well as strengthening our network of counter-terrorism experts in the middle east, north Africa, south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

The dreadful fire at Grenfell Tower last week has shocked the entire country and investigations are rightfully underway and urgent safety checks are being taken on all high-rise blocks around the UK – safety must always be prioritised.

The government has initiated the Bellwin scheme to provide the financial assistance for the immediate costs. My heart goes out to all those involved and their loved ones. I have been taken aback by the way that so many have pulled together up and down the country to donate money, clothes, time and food to support the families involved.

Whilst the acts of terror and tragedy make us question what our country has become, the united and loving response we have shown should reinforce our pride in our nation and our community spirit.

Parliament is energised with new MPs running around getting lost on the Parliamentary estate, which takes me back to when I was first elected! I am writing this on the day of the Queen's Speech so after this it will be back to Parliamentary business, having been sworn in again last week.

Locally it is all systems go for me – since my re-election I have done two advice surgeries and have another planned this week. If you want to discuss an issue or a problem please do email michelle.donelan.mp@parliement.uk or call 01249 704465. This week I am also visiting the Nestlé factory in Staverton, attending a community event and starting work on the second Wiltshire Festival of Engineering which will be in Trowbridge this November. If you would like to help with the festival please get in touch. If you would like to receive regular emails (not too many don’t worry) about my work as your MP then you can subscribe on michelledonelan.com/subscribe and also like my Facebook page for updates fb.com/MichelleDonelanChippenham