This week I published my response to the Department for Transport’s white paper on the new national bus strategy. In it I explain why I do not feel the strategy does enough to address problems with rural buses.

We in West Dorset have been dealing with one bus operator for years and during my tenure as the MP I have had a much closer insight into how First Group has little concern for community needs at all. I have been working hard for sometime to save the number 6 bus from Beaminster with Dorset Council, but I feel that there must be a real strategy put in place – not just offering rural solutions to urban problems.

I am also looking in detail at the new rail strategy which will form Great British Railways. Having worked on the railways for 20 years before my election, I am looking forward to offering my views and experience to the Government to help make the rail plan work for Dorset and the whole country because, another First Group company, South Western Railway, have slashed our train service to Dorchester in half and are proposing to remove services from the Heart of Wessex line, which is already the worst frequency line in England.

Earlier this year I had a conversation with the Chancellor about how we can invest in the railways, and I am continuing to work with the Government on this, alongside regularly meeting with South Western Railway.

It was an honour to present Retired Squadron Leader Ken Symonds AFC with his Bomber Command clasp on Saturday near Dorchester, just a few days after the anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

He has served 40 years in the Royal Air Force, and the bravery of him and many men like him is the reason we live in a free society today.