Duncan Hames, MP for Chippenham - We must do all we can to prevent flooding damage (From This Is Wiltshire)

In Parliament last week I asked the Defence Secretary to re-examine the discrepancy in payments to those Army personnel who are made redundant after their immediate ‘pension-point’ and to those who leave just before.

He acknowledged that the difference was substantial. I will continue to press for a fairer deal: those who have served our country deserve better than to miss out because of such a ‘cliff-edge’ effect.

I also contributed to a parliamentary debate on flood prevention. I argued against the worryingly defeatist attitude put about by some that dredging rivers is not worth the effort. Wiltshire has seen repeated flooding lately, and we must continue to do what we can to prevent the loss and damage it brings.

Returning to Wiltshire, I participated in a discussion hosted by climate friendly Bradford on Avon called “Energy We Can All Afford?”

The recently-launched Green Deal means that people can now insulate their homes without having to pay upfront, or more than is saved in energy costs. The Energy Bill before Parliament will simplify energy tariffs, and ensure that companies offer customers their cheapest tariff. The following night I was pleased to see Chippenham’s Good Energy – a 100 per cent renewable energy supplier – win business of the year at the new Chippenham Business Awards.

A big crowd gathered at Corsham Town Council to congratulate Stephanie Millward on being awarded the Freedom of Corsham. She certainly deserves it. Stephanie, whose swimming career kicked off at Corsham Swimming Club, won five medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games – more than any other Team GB athlete.

I managed to fit in some door-knocking in both Corsham and Winsley to hear about local people’s concerns, which really do range from the very local to the international.

A keen interest in world affairs was evident from the impressive turnout to “Meet the Palestinians in Fair Trade Fortnight” at St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon, on Saturday, where we listened to a visiting farmer discuss olive farming in the West Bank.

I also joined Keep Bradford Green campaigners at the Bradford on Avon golf course to repeat our past successful campaigns to keep developers off it.

My next surgery will be on Friday, March 15, from 11am-12.30pm at the Pound Arts Centre, Corsham.