A phrase often used in the political world at the moment is ‘Zombie Parliament’, which is not a reflection (although it could be) on the appearance of members after a late-night sitting when, if only our co-ordination was a little better, we could be seen to resemble the famous Thriller video as we shuffle through the lobbies, but a reference to a Parliament that has run out of ideas.

Nothing could be further from the truth. True, last year’s programme could not match the first year of government where many crucial pieces of legislation were passed and implemented at a feverish pace, but with a fixed-term parliament it is possible to keep working to improve Britain right up until the last minute before elections, rather than worrying about polls and populism. During the State opening of Parliament today, an active and robust programme was set out for us.

The key underpinning of Her Majesty’s speech, delivered as always with our monarch’s extraordinary dignity, was the securing of Britain’s recovery as our long-term economic plan continues to gather pace. The measures outlined are designed to deliver a country that pays its way in the world and has a stronger, more competitive economy and also to give hard-working people peace of mind for their future and the future of their families.

The centrepiece of the programme is the Bill to change the pension system that will give people who work hard and do the right thing more security in their retirement, while the speech also included measures to help families with the cost of childcare, to protect some of the most vulnerable workers from exploitation, to tackle serious crime and to fight modern slavery.

A hugely welcomed announcement was the plan to make the biggest investment in roads since the 1970s, which can’t come too soon for those who, like me, have to dodge the potholes on the rapidly deteriorating Everleigh to Upavon road, while measures outlined to support small businesses and boost house building will also be very welcome locally.

Smaller but important initiatives are to improve the complaints system in the Armed Forces, implement charging for plastic bags and to deliver proper recall measures so errant MPs can be bought to account. I hope that you will never feel the need to investigate the last piece of legislation and I am looking forward to getting on with the work on your behalf.