On Wednesday I had the privilege of calling and leading a Westminster Hall Debate on Economic Growth in the South West.

Yesterday I led a debate on economic growth in the South West in Westminster Hall.

A number of local MPs made contributions highlighting the successes and challenges we are experiencing across the region but especially in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.

On Friday I planted two time capsules at the wonderful new Sherford Vale primary school at the new town of Sherford, one to be dug up in 7 years’ time, the other in 2038, 20 years from when the idea was conceived.

Earlier this week I met with the Chair of the Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF), Councillor Andrea Davis, to talk about the progress being made on sorting the railway line at Dawlish.

If we just focussed on the B word and the absolute muddle that surrounds it, we could be forgiven for thinking that our country is descending into chaos. In fact very positive news continues to surround us, oft ignored.

It is not pleasant to be on the losing side, especially when the defeat is an historic one. So it was for me on Tuesday night. The Withdrawal Agreement was heavily defeated by all opposition parties and over one hundred Conservative MPs voting against it.

Last Friday provided another opportunity to meet with children and young people who are part of the Military Kids Club in their school.

Here is a summary of my position on Brexit as we approach the end game:

My direct family stretches through four generations. My dad is a spritely 85, hanging on to see Brexit become a reality (!) Mum is 83 and the two remain devoted to each other. Jan and I are in our sixties, our children in their third decade and four grandchildren range from fourteen down to two.

This week, the Prime Minister launched the Long Term Plan for the NHS – a historic moment for patients in South West Devon and across the country.