JANUARY saw the start of a busy year in Parliament and in global politics with many elections due in the UK and around the world.

But, sadly, a great deal of uncertainty and conflict still exists, including in the Middle East and in Ukraine.

Also in the Red Sea, the UK, together with coalition forces, carried out strategic targeted strikes on Houthi sites in retaliation to continued Houthi attacks on commercial shipping.

In domestic news, on January 6 the Government introduced a significant cut in National Insurance contributions from 12 per cent to 10.

Saving the average worker £450 per year, this cut will benefit some 27 million people, including tens of thousands in Worcestershire.

As Financial Secretary to the Treasury, I was proud to play my part in introducing this cut.

The self-employed will see their NI tax cuts come into being in April.

In my ministerial capacity, I have also been leading the Finance Bill through line-by-line scrutiny in the House of Commons.

Measures in the Bill will incentivise businesses to invest in plant and machinery and encourage research and development in the UK.

I welcomed the Government’s announcement of the £600 million funding boost to local authorities.

This significant funding announcement will help alleviate the pressures our local authorities are experiencing in areas such as social care and transport – and the boost will particularly help predominantly rural constituencies such as ours.

Balancing my ministerial duties with those as the MP for Mid Worcestershire, I have enjoyed many engagements in the constituency over the last few weeks, including several visits to schools and businesses.

Particular highlights included planting the first two of 60 cherry trees across Wychavon in the Sakura Cherry Tree Project and attending the annual wassailing in Bretforton.