While I spoke at the re-called session of Parliament to press for News International to be held to account for what went on at the News of the World, I didn’t let the phone-hacking scandal stop me raising issu es that more directly affect my constituents last week.

As the humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa intensifies and in light of the UN World Food programme’s recognition that changing weather patterns have led to ‘an almost constant state of food insecurity’, I asked the Foreign Secretary what forward planning his department has conducted in preparing to respond to the increased likelihood of crises, such as this, caused in part by climate change.

He announced a further £52m in aid to the Horn of Africa while explaining that the UK will continue to put climate change at the heart of foreign policy considerations.

During Education questions, I asked the Education Secretary if he will take into account the needs of small rural primary schools such as ours in Wiltshire as part of his review of a fair funding formula.

Mr Gove replied that there should first be a minimum sum for all primary schools, to ensure that smaller schools remain viable. I ended the term with a speech during the Adjournment debate, in which I set out my constituents’ concerns regarding Wiltshire Council’s development plans for Chippenham and Lacock parish. Responses to the council’s consultation must be made by August 8 at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ldfconsult.

I joined the Reading Agency in Parliament for the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages children from four to 11-years-old to read six books over the summer. For more information, contact your local library or visit http://www.circus-stars.org.uk/.

Back in the constituency, I attended Atworth Parish Council meeting and heard more about progress with the Community Speedwatch scheme. I joined Royal Mail managers, local councillors and local businesses in Melksham Town Hall to test their plans for the Melksham delivery office before visiting award-winning local manufacturing business, Danlers Ltd, in Chippenham. I later heard about the most recent developments in efforts to get a safe crossing in Holt at a residents’ meeting with councillors in the URC Hall in the village.

My next constituency surgeries will be on Saturday, August 6, 9.30am-11am in my constituency office at Avonbridge House, Bath Road, Chippenham and Wednesday, August 10, 9.30am to 11am in Bradford on Avon Library.