LAST week in Parliament was incredibly frenetic - involving many local people in meetings and events.

The first notable function was the reception I held to promote the Antarctic and, in particular, my Private Members Bill, with measures to protect the continent and strengthen Britain’s existing treaty obligations. Sir Peter Scott’s work in the region – inspired by his father Robert Scott’s exploration and ill-fated attempt to reach the South Pole – was highlighted through the support of the Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Next, I successfully secured a Westminster Hall debate on the role and recruitment of school governors.

This was a useful opportunity to highlight the good work many governors do but also to introduce and develop some ideas for reforming governance.

Many governors in our area are interested in reform and I was pleased with the expressions of views and willingness to engage in this debate. More will happen on this front.

On the same day, the Meningitis Trust – with headquarters in Stroud – held its Young Ambassadors Reception and invited MPs to become Meningitis Champions.

It was a really successful occasion, made all the more so because of the excellent speeches from Young Ambassadors.

It was also a timely occasion because proposed legislation on special education needs is currently being scrutinised by the Education Select Committee.

Concerns about some of the likely measures were raised and I will advance them as appropriate.

Lastly, tuberculosis (TB) in cattle and badgers was an issue for a ministerial statement and then debated later in the week.

We live in an area where TB is a serious problem and continues to cause havoc on our dairy farms.

The Coalition Government believes stricter cattle movements, increased investment in vaccination development and pilot badger culls are all necessary to combat the serious consequences of this disease.

I support this policy because we must remove TB from our cattle herds and badgers.

As a former livestock farmer myself, I know good animal health is necessary both on farms and in wildlife.

Nobody should want consumptive badgers.

If you are interested in the issues raised above, please contact me on 01453 751572 or visit my website – www.neilcarmichael.co.uk.

Now you can also follow me on twitter @neil_mp.