Up early and to Weymouth for a spot of canvassing with our by-election candidate Richard Nickinson. He is a local man and would make an excellent councillor. I always enjoy being on the door because constituents rarely hold back from saying what they feel.

Early rise and then in warm sunshine I headed to Langton Matravers to visit St George's Primary School.

I SPENT some of my happiest working years as a regional reporter for the BBC.

Not once was I pressurised to report a story with a particular slant or political angle.

We were expected to report impartially and accurately, and that’s what we did.

An early start and then to Weymouth on my motorbike to visit All Saints' School. I've been to the school before, but a letter from a teacher there drew me back again.

Up and out early on a beautiful sunny morning. Hyde Park looks stunning. With the Commonwealth Heads of State here, London is a mass of police, sirens and traffic chaos. Into the Commons and after routine matters headed to the Whips' office for a briefing on today's Government business.

WE live in interesting times. Last week’s decision to bomb three chemical weapons facilities in Syria was not an easy one for the UK, the US and France.

Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, today asked Treasury Minister Robert Jenrick to confirm that the Government is considering providing “desperately needed investment” for seaside towns.

What a fascinating day. It began with an early morning run in spring sunshine. Warmth at last! Into the Commons and a chance to promote my constituency in Treasury Questions at 1130.

Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, today asked the Prime Minister to ‘consider spending more on our armed forces’ following her statement to the House of Commons on last Friday’s allied airstrikes on Syrian chemical weapons bases.

Before I come to the substance of my statement, I am sure the whole House will wish to join me in offering our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Matt Tonroe from the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, who was killed by an improvised explosive device on 29 March.