Last week was World Autism Awareness Week, which is an important campaign to help raise awareness about autism. To mark the occasion I visited Café Track in the Market Square, Northampton which helps some 40-50 people on the autistic spectrum.

In my nearly 9 years as the Member of Parliament for Northampton North and indeed the 3.5 years before my election when I was the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate I have always ensured that I regularly campaign on the ground with the local issues that matter most to residents of Northampton N

English Tourism Week is an annual celebration – which took place this year between Saturday, 30th March and Sunday, 7th April - that showcases the world-class sites and experiences that England has to offer tourists from all over the UK and all around the world.

On Friday, 15th March there was an appalling and murderous gun attack on a Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand in which fifty people were killed. This attack on innocent worshipers at prayer has caused understandable shock, upset and concern in the UK and around the world.

In my role as the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism I am in regular contact with the Chairs and CEO’s of national organisations which promote the arts.

For several years I have worked with Lakeview Residents Association and Northampton Partnership Homes (NPH) seeking the conversion of an empty former nursing home into the development of new council homes – to specifically cater for elderly people. This has now been realised.

As the Arts Minister I strongly support the teaching of the Arts in schools. The creative arts give young people vital life skills, improves confidence and builds teamwork experience.

Friday, 8th March marked this year’s International Women’s Day, a day where we stand together and celebrate the tremendous achievements of women up and down this country.

Every September some 40,000 volunteers across England organise thousands of events to celebrate the breath-taking heritage of this country – the Heritage Open Days campaign.

In my nearly nine years as the Member of Parliament for Northampton North I have visited every school in my constituency a number of times. I always enjoy visiting schools and talking to pupils about democracy, Parliament and my work as an MP and Government Minister.