When I sit down to write my latest column I always scan my previous copy to make sure that I am not repeating myself and boring my constituents to bits. Some themes do end up recurring, however, either because they are important locally, or they are key national events.

As I pen this from my office in the Department for Transport (which now features a model of the best train ever built, the magnificent Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive) the unfolding situation in Iraq and the options being discussed to curtail the power and spread of Islamic State militants are once more in the headlines.

The Prime Minister is leading talks at the UN to see what more the UK can do to help international efforts to tackle the threat posed by this lawless organisation but, most encouragingly, Arab states are joining in the US-led air strikes, showing a regional willingness to work with the West to reduce threat that we all face.

By contrast, the Scottish referendum seemed to burst onto the scene from nowhere. Although campaigners had been saying for ages that it was potentially the most significant event in 300 years of constitutional history, the implications of a vote for separation suddenly took centre stage last week and even people who had never been north of the border suddenly became eloquent in their fervent support for the union.

It was heartening to see the Prime Minister stand up for togetherness and put the country above narrow party interests and, with a strong victory for the Better Together campaign, it was a great result. It also shows there is a strong appetite for real political debate, engagement and participation – all of which bodes well for the referendum on Britain’s relationship with the EU which will be delivered by the next Conservative government.

I make no apologies for returning to one local theme this week, that of supporting our High Streets. It was a real pleasure to announce the category winners of my Independent Shop of the Year: Trotters Equine and Country Store in Tidworth, the Cat’s Whiskers in Marlborough, Devizes Books and my own local shop, Upavon Stores (but as I did not cast a vote, I cannot be accused of influence!).

I am looking forward to announcing an overall champion later this month and also to handing out £100 vouchers to four people who nominated the winners.