As a member of the Education Select Committee, I had the pleasure of visiting the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology meeting staff, students and hearing about Dyson's pioneering in-house degree apprenticeships and the benefit they will bring to Wiltshire.

This is an innovative model which allows for students to receive an income as they learn and develop with tuition fees fully paid and the ability to ensure those leaving the programme are ‘work ready’.

I have supported the development and implementation of this model since James Dyson first opened the institute as we desperately need to plug the STEM skills gap here in Wiltshire and across the UK to ensure that Britain is ready to meet future economic demands and this is just one innovative means of addressing this.

I recently asked the Prime Minister if she agreed with me that it is right that the UK meets our NATO commitment to spending two per cent of GDP on defence, increasing this in real terms year on year.

I also addressed the point that in a globalised world we cannot act alone and we should be encouraging all other NATO members to meet this commitment and ensure that the alliance is strengthened and able to meet the ever-changing global security risks.

I am pleased that the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of NATO to UK security and Government commitment to defence spending. With a significant number of military families across Wiltshire, this is a vital issue for many in my constituency.

I was also able to welcome the recent statement in Parliament on the announcement of the UK's first spaceport, highlighting the benefit which this will bring not only to Scotland, where it is to be stationed, but also to those working at businesses such as Airbus here in Corsham.

I asked the Business Minister what else the Government plans to do to support the space industry and I am pleased that further investment will be made in research and development, an area which could see significant investment in Wiltshire which is a hub of design and engineering technology.

Recently a group of children from Bowerhill Primary School came to Westminster for a visit of both Houses of Parliament. It was a delight to meet so many of the staff and children and answer the questions they had.

If you or anyone you know belongs to a group or organisation who would like to visit Parliament, please do get in touch by emailing michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk or calling my office on 01249 704 465 as I would be delighted to organise a tour for you.