Parliament was this week dominated by the Autumn Statement, which details the state of our nation's finances and how we can spend.

This Sunday, many of us will remember and commemorate all those constituents from times past who laid down their lives to defend us from tyranny.

Last week I had to return home early from my Council of Europe meetings in Strasbourg to attend the weekly Opposition Day Debate in the House of Commons. The debate was about whether we should have a future debate about leaving Europe.

Last week marked the opening of the Orangery, a state of the art apartment block in Sidley for the over 60s with care facilities for those who need it in their advancing years. Residents who part-buy, or rent, live independently but can purchase more care as the years progress.

Much of my time is spent trying to improve the situation which constituents find themselves in. It is sometimes important for us to appreciate how fortunate we are for what we have. This was brought home to me having spent a week in Jordan with Save the Children.

The job of an MP is a varied one, as I reminded myself when setting off to Westminster from East Sussex at 5am with my car boot full of honey. My cargo was destined for the first All Party Parliamentary Group for Bees' Honey Fair.

Since the General Election of 2015, which marked the start of my new life as a Member of Parliament, I have received more campaign emails on the subject of bees and pollinators than on any other subject.

Our 24 hour, 7 day a week, rolling media service can normally be relied upon to persuade us that there is more bad news in this country than good.

Last week I met with the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable of Sussex Police to discuss policing and law and order matters which constituents have raised with me.

Whilst the TV cameras focus on the House of Commons chamber, the forensic scrutiny of government and industry is being tackled in committee. For me, this means the Transport Select Committee of which I am an elected member.