THE dreadful attacks in Brussels this week – so reminiscent of our own 7/7 bombings – showed, once again, that the barbaric forces of Daesh will stop at nothing in their crusade to spread fear and mayhem. It is only right that we stand with the Belgian people and our allies in Europe – these were attacks in Belgium now, but they could just as well be attacks in Britain or anywhere else.

Our transport system is among the safest in the world, but it is only right that we remain vigilant at all times and carry on with our daily lives.

The terrible scenes were a reminder, however, that whatever the papers say about political wrangling at home, abroad we face a dangerous cocktail of global risk.

Britain is well prepared to handle this challenge, to invest in our safety and security – but only if we act now so we don’t pay later. For me, the choice for my Government is simple. We can choose to add to the risk and uncertainty or be a force of stability. We can choose short-term fixes and more stimulus, or we can lead the world with long-term solutions to long-term problems. We can choose to invest for the future, or to spend for the short term.

And in the Budget that has seen much debate, it is quite clear that we must choose the long term with sound public finances to deliver security; lower taxes on business and enterprise to create jobs; reform to improve schools; investment to build homes and infrastructure, and help for working people with lower taxes and support for saving.

That is the path we followed over the past five years and it has given us one of the strongest economies in the world, meaning we can invest in safety, education and in public services, as well as in support of those who need most help, including the disabled. And despite all the shouting, it is absolutely the case that we are now spending around £50 billion on benefits alone to support people with disabilities and health conditions and that number will rise over this Parliament.

To make sure this remained affordable, changes were proposed to Personal Independence Payments but my great friend, the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Stephen Crabb has confirmed that these will not go ahead.

As always if I can help with any personal concerns, or to book an appointment at an advice surgery, please do get in touch on claire.perry.mp@parliament.uk or call (01380) 729358.