DO you remember your first day at a new job? People to meet, procedures to memorise, huge lists of emails to be read and acted upon, urgent decisions to be taken, mistakes to be avoided.

Well, that has been my experience in the first week of my new Ministerial post as I take on the challenge of the climate change and business brief, working to cut emissions while keeping energy costs down, and deliver clean economic growth that both helps us domestically and builds on our position as a world leader in innovation, science and research.

It is a fascinating job and one where Britain is seen to be one of the global leaders, thanks to our commitment to emission reduction targets that are much more ambitious than those agreed by the EU, and our innovation and investment in world-leading technologies.

Progress is accelerating too; earlier this month, a record 70 per cent of the electricity for the UK’s homes and businesses was low-carbon, while in May solar power briefly eclipsed the UK’s eight nuclear power stations, and recently the Grid went without coal for an entire day for the first time – meaning that not only emissions but also prices can start to fall, as renewable power comes with almost no generation cost. There is much more to be done for the future and I can’t wait to play my part.

Sadly, this week was also marred by sombre and tragic events. First we heard of the accident at Castlemartin training range that saw the tragic loss of members of our local Royal Tank Regiment, a very unusual incident when set against the backdrop of the impeccable safety record of the Army. I have spoken to the Ministers involved and asked to be kept informed as the investigation progresses.

Then we all witnessed the shocking and horrific scenes of devastation at Grenfell Tower, where the use of substandard materials has had appalling consequences.

I am glad the council and government response is now delivering real help to those who have lost their homes and loved ones, and I want to see a totally transparent public enquiry into the causes of this tragedy, with no recommendations off the table.

I have also taken the precaution of contacting my local housing associations to seek reassurance that their fire standards and procedures for residents are up to speed.

Finally, and sadly, we have seen further loss of life in London caused by hatred and intolerance, this time while worshippers were attending prayer. It is a sober backdrop for the start of this session of Parliament.