THIS week we saw more great news about British jobs. Unemployment continues to tumble, we’ve got the highest rate of employment in our history, and real wages are rising strongly.

Three-quarters of the growth in employment since 2010 has been in full-time jobs and less than three per cent of people in work are on zero-hours contracts. But with recent data showing our trading partners’ growth is slowing, we must not be complacent. All of this progress will be at risk unless we carry on with our plan to build a resilient economy, delivering the economic security of a country that lives within its means.

That is why the vote in the Commons due to take place yesterday night is so important as it will introduce a new Charter for Budget Responsibility, committing all British governments to keeping the public finances in surplus during normal economic times so that when the bad times hit (which they always do) the country is prepared. I am not really sure what other parties now have as their economic policies (and neither are they) but it seems to me that to fail to support plans for balanced government books is sheer economic cruelty – as the last recession showed, it is not the richest who suffer most when government runs unsustainable deficits, but the poorest.

I was able to discuss jobs and economic progress during a visit to the Siemens Rail automation factory in Chippenham last Friday where local MP Michelle Donelan and I heard of their booming order books – and also that one Mr Corbyn senior used to work at the plant.

From there I held a full advice surgery in Ludgershall, then headed to Easton Royal Village Hall to celebrate the success of village efforts to install a life-saving defibrillator. I paid tribute to Fiona de Pass, who led the fundraising team and answered questions along with the head of the local ambulance service on response times, recruitment of community first responders and the success in working with the local fire service in dealing with medical emergencies.

Then on Saturday I took my place on the platform for the annual Marlborough mop. Led by our dignified local mayor, Coun Margaret Rose, we declared the fair open and participated in the annual civic procession and free rides.

This year I was joined by my son who was determined to win a goldfish but as I am equally determined to acquire no more pets while in Parliament, we compromised with a joint (unsuccessful) effort at the shooting gallery.