This week, Buckingham MP Greg Smith writes to readers:

It’s been a busy couple of weeks in Parliament, continuing to focus on both defeating Covid-19 and ensuring we are in the best possible place as a country to bounce back.

I’ve taken part in a debate in the House of Commons that came about due to a number of petitions around additional support for various sectors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. As I have written before, I am extremely proud of the unprecedented level of support for jobs, livelihoods and businesses the government has provided. A package worth more than £330 billion. But it is clear some sectors remain in need of some specific extra support. With a three minute limit on speeches, I could not cover all the ground I wanted. But was pleased to be able to call on the government, as they plan measures for our economic recovery, to look especially at the arts, aviation and our local coach businesses for additional support. Since the debate both a £1.57billion package has been announced for the arts and new “air bridges” announced to get our airlines flying again.

In questions after the weekly business statement I championed our driving instructors who have taken a wide range of measures to be Covid-secure and want to be back at work, yet had not been included in any of the 4th July re-opening guidance. Later the same day driving lessons were thankfully given the green light to recommence. I have also quizzed the Universities Minister about ensuring international students are encouraged to return to Buckingham University post-Covid and questioned Work and Pensions Ministers on support for disabled people. through the Access to Work initiative; and

After six months of putting in for the weekly ballot to ask a question at PMQs, I had my first opportunity last week. As we look to securing economic growth, I highlighted the excellent innovative work across Silverstone Park and Westcott Venture Park in bringing high tech innovators to Bucks and making an important call for their Enterprise Zone status to be extended to 2024 to keep Buckinghamshire attractive for businesses to locate here.