A further major investment has been announced for West Dorset’s education, with four schools across the constituency, including Bridport Primary School, together awarded £1.3m to upgrade facilities and improve school buildings. With last week’s £3.5m for Kingston Maurward College, this is an additional £4.8m for our local schools, the most significant investment here in many years. This demonstrates that Government acts when we make sure they know what we need.

There is also support for our micro-businesses, with £250,000 in new funding, available as grants of up to £5,000, to help access specialist professional advice, equipment and new technology. I encourage local companies to register their interest with Dorset Growth Hub and take advantage of this.

In national news this week, the continued arrival of illegal migrants, crossing dangerous shipping channels in small boats from France, is of great concern to me. It is already a legal right, protected by that country’s constitution, to seek asylum in France and I welcome the cross-party committee which is investigating the criminal gangs and people traffickers who are exploiting this situation. I have spoken to the Immigration Minister about this and the Government is fully aware of the strength of feeling of us on the back benches. In the meantime, the UK continues to honour its historic responsibility for genuine asylum seekers.

Finally, with energy efficiency and the environment being uppermost in our plans for a sustainable future, Government has published details about the new £2 billion Green Homes Grant Scheme. If your home could benefit from energy-saving improvements, now is the time to consider this. With up to £5000 support from Government, and opportunities for local suppliers, I encourage you to visit www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures

Finally, if you need to contact me on a personal issue, you are very welcome to write to me directly to: Chris Loder MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

CHRIS LODER

MP FOR WEST DORSET