A hot day began with an early morning run. Into the Commons, chat with my team and then to Room U in PCH to meet members of Saudi Arabia's Shura, which is a legislative body that advises the King on issues that are important to the country. It was a fascinating hour as we discussed issues including the threat of a nuclear Iran, relationships with Israel and the perception of the Kingdom from many in the West. A pre-arranged lunch followed, after which I headed to CR15 for another session of our Defence Select Committee. This was the first of two sessions to examine the recent 'refresh' to the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Our three witnesses were Sir John Parker, independent reviewer of this strategy in 2019; Ian Waddell, general secretary of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions; and Richard Powell, chairman of the Maritime Defence and Security Group Council, Society of Maritime Industries. With such distinguished guests, I knew the session was going to be interesting and so it proved. I think I can safely paraphrase their agreed stance on this important matter and that's they recommend that all our war ships are built in the UK and to ensure on-going investment shipbuilders must have the assurance of work for years ahead. It's also vital strategically that we retain the skills and labour to build future RN ships, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine only reminding us how fragile world peace is. You can see the session on Parliament TV. Afterwards, I joined colleagues for one of our regular, weekly meetings to chew the cud. During the day, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss made a Statement in the House on the future of the controversial NI Protocol. She explains the situation in a letter, which I have placed on my website. An interesting day.