My analysis in the The Standard on the way forward to reforming the Civil Service and ensuring taxpayers get value for money:

We’ve seen the biggest 5-month fall in overall NHS waiting lists in over a decade, outside the pandemic.

Since September, overall NHS waiting lists have decreased by almost 200,000.

With an extra £2.4 billion announced at the budget, we’re delivering on our shared priorities.

Read my statement on the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel.

Very pleased to enjoy conversations with residents of Redlynch,Woodfalls and Lover with their excellent local Councillor Zoe Clewer … the transformation of the ‘Old School’ building in Lover is a great credit to the community led by their Chair Nick Gibbs

Active CCTV surveillance providing real time information to the police is an essential part of preventing crime and bringing about justice. Many thanks to the volunteers I joined last night at the Salisbury CCTV control room to learn more about this important service.

This morning I brought together local retailers, Wiltshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Wiltshire Council to discuss how we can respond to the imperative of ensuring responsive action against incidents of shoplifting and assault on shop workers.

Polluters should pay for the damage they cause, to clean up our environment and improve our waterways.

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COMBATTING RETAIL CRIME:

Good news ahead of the roundtable meeting I am hosting tomorrow with our Police and Crime Commissioner, Wiltshire Police, and local retailers to discuss our Retail Crime Strategy and how we can support local retailers facing shoplifters and assault.

Today, John Glen MP became the first British minister to visit Sweden since its NATO accession.

Meeting with Minister for Civil Defence @carloskar in Stockholm, the Minister explored common UK-Sweden priorities and the work being undertaken to boost national resilience

A BOOST FOR PENSIONERS:

If you work hard all your life you should live with dignity and security in retirement.

Last year the state pension rose by 10.1% - the UK’s highest ever state pension increase.

Today it will rise by 8.5% - an extra £900 per year.

Minister John Glen MP met with Norwegian allies in Oslo today to discuss strengthening national resilience to mitigate a range of internal and external risks.

Greater collaboration with NATO partners on issues such as cyber security is critical to delivering a safer UK for all

Congratulations to Olivia, someone who has served Salisbury so faithfully as a respected GP and has established Horatio's Garden Charity which has made such a huge impact on patients’ experiences across the country. I wish her well as Wiltshire’s High Sheriff for 2024/25

Yesterday in Woodfalls I heard residents' concerns over the resurfacing works to The Ridge & the state of their footpath with Wilts Council Head of Local Highways, Chris Clark.

I'm glad we agreed a plan of action & the council undertook to finish the necessary works this year.

Great morning out the villages of Fovant and Chalke Valley - always good to hear feedback and meet new faces ⁦Cllr Nabil Najjar⁩

Today I visited two businesses impacted by the ongoing works to Fisherton St.

It’s vital there is now a final push to get Fisherton St finished & looking its best again. In the meantime, we must do all we can to support local independent traders through this disruption & beyond.