Last week, the new law that I introduced to Parliament – the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act –was given Royal Assent by Her Majesty the Queen. This new law will mean that those who abuse animals will face proportionate justice for their crimes.

I met with campaigners last week to discuss the impact of speeding on the B3157 coast road and measures that could be taken to mitigate it. As we prepare ourselves for the much-needed summer tourism season, we need to do all we can to ensure our streets and roads are safe.

I subsequently chaired the inaugural meeting of my A-Roads Taskforce. This Taskforce provides a focussed and close-knit group to agree on key priorities for our roads, such as reducing air pollution in Chideock, flooding at Monkey’s Jump Roundabout in Dorchester, and heavy congestion on the A35 through Bridport and Dorchester.

Only by acting as a cohesive unit will we deliver change to our roads. I want to see the roads of Dorset working as efficiently as possible to allow us to make the most of the summer season that so many here depend on.

I have been contacted by recruiters concerned over the lack of applications to jobs. I would encourage anyone job hunting to consider the range of opportunities in our food production and hospitality sectors.

I recently challenged the BBC over their demand for children to go ‘meat free’ to obtain their Blue Peter Green Badge. British agriculture is among the most sustainable industries in the world and supporting our farmers in West Dorset would be a far more impacting initiative to support the environment.

CHRIS LODER

WEST DORSET MP