'THE reddest red carpet' is being unfurled this week as Britain pulls out all the stops for Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to London. Beijing is on the lookout for global investment and we should be willing to oblige.

For years our relationship with the world’s fastest growing economy has been described as a "strategic partnership", but things have most definitely moved on significantly in recent months.

However, some understandably question why the UK government is spending so much effort courting China. Today the People's Republic of China represents 15 per cent of global GDP, is currently investing almost £10 billion per year in the UK, a figure that is set to rise this week and almost a million tourists and hundreds of thousands of Chinese students come to the UK each year. Literally hundreds of thousands of UK jobs depend on China. Many thousands are here in Wiltshire with many exporting to, manufacturing in and relying on China’s more than 1.4 billion-strong workforce and rapidly growing middle class. China’s influence on the UK is real, it is colossal and it is not going away.

As the five-day state visit continues we must also reflect on how lucky we are in the UK that we have a stable and, on the whole, tolerant democracy. One where the MPs with strongly opposing views can occupy the unassuming House of Commons chamber and, again on the whole, act with decency and dignity towards one another. The ‘new type of politics’? No. The greatest democracy on Earth? Most certainly yes.

Closer to home, I am appealing for your help on behalf of a charity of which I am a trustee. Wiltshire charity Help Victims of Domestic Violence has put in a bid to win £25,000 which, amongst other things, would help us to purchase a van to ensure that we can effectively help as many local people who have been victims of domestic abuse. The organisation aims to reduce their suffering and promote health and well-being by helping victims gain independence and take back control of their lives.

All you have to do is vote. It is free to do so and it really would make a huge difference to this fantastic charity which is entirely run by local volunteers.

To vote visit michelledonelan.com/HELP

As always, if you have any local issues or concerns do contact me on Michelle.Donelan.MP@Parliament.uk or call (01249) 704465.