THIS week has been a busy one in parliament, with MPs coming together to debate the UK’s domestic nuclear safeguards regime once we leave the European Union.

Whether you are in favour or against nuclear as an energy source, it is important that our exit from the European Union does not disrupt in any way the UK’s commitment to extremely high levels of nuclear regulation and our commitment to exceed international standards in all instances.

This is a vitally important issue for our country and I was delighted to speak several times during the debate to highlight the concerns expressed by constituents.

I made the statement that whatever framework is put in place after Brexit it will not affect the supply of medical isotopes for use in cancer treatment and diagnosis as these sit outside current EU regulation, to reassure seriously ill people and their loved ones.

Whilst people have genuine concerns around nuclear regulation, I think the scaremongering around access to isotopes for medical purposes is disgusting and creates unnecessary worry to people undergoing treatment for serious illnesses and I hope my statement can allay some of their fears.

This week I also had the pleasure of chairing a meeting in Parliament of the Design and Technology Association which discussed the need to inspire children to take up STEM subjects and incorporate these better into the curriculum. I particularly enjoyed hearing from school children on their experiences with Design and Technology, seeing some of their fantastic work and sharing their passion for creative subjects.

Back in the constituency, I am extremely excited that the second annual Wiltshire Festival of Engineering is approaching fast. Engineering businesses and the largest engineering employers across Wiltshire will come together to speak to thousands of local school children to hopefully inspire them to explore engineering as a career option.

I have spoken many times on the need to address the skills gap in Wiltshire and the rest of the country around STEM subjects and I hope this event will go some way to doing this. As a member of the Education Select Committee we have often spoken of the need to address skill shortages and this event is just one example of the practical measures we can take to address this.

The festival is open free of charge to all between 4pm-5pm on November 3 so I would encourage as many children and young adults as possible to attend and experience first-hand some of the inspirational businesses we have here in Wiltshire.

Space is limited so if you would like to attend then please email my office on michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk to reserve your space.