Having served in the armed forces myself, I understand the need for a strong defence. Today's geopolitical climate is one of instability and we cannot take any chances when it comes to keeping the British people safe. I have served as a Minister in the Ministry of Defence and subsequently sat on the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy and the Draft Investigatory Powers Bill Committee.

There are of course many military families in South West Wiltshire and it has been a great source of pride for me to represent them. There is always more that governments and society can do to support servicemen and women, and their families, which is why I wrote a book on the military covenant in 2011. Since this time, the military covenant has become a practical policy area for the Government and I continue to support the work being done to get behind our forces.