As I write this, Prince Philip remains in hospital in London receiving treatment for an infection.

I wrote to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night and, on behalf of West Dorset, asked for our best wishes to be sent to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

On Thursday of last week, I visited one of our vaccination centres in Dorchester to see first-hand the hard work that our healthcare staff and volunteers are doing at the Atrium Centre.

18.5 million jabs have been administered in the UK now, and this continues to be the highest rate in Europe. It was just over a year ago that the Chief Medical Officer asked me to attend a briefing with him in Parliament about a new coronavirus.

Just over a month later, we were in a lockdown. Eleven months from that day, on Monday, the Prime Minister set out a roadmap to finally get out of these national restrictions.

The plan is cautious – a bit too cautious for my personal preference, but with the continued concern of the South African variant, the Government doesn’t believe that risks can be taken.

The plan gives us a bright light at the end of the tunnel.

Our railways are a lifeline to rural communities.

Since my election in 2019, I have campaigned for better disabled access at Dorchester West station and I’m delighted a ramp is now due to be constructed, beginning in March.

Dorset Council’s Local Plan consultation is in its final two and a half weeks – closing March 15.

If you haven’t done so already, make sure your voice is heard about the North of Dorchester development. I will be attending another virtual public meeting organised by STAND next Thursday.

CHRIS LODER

MP for West Dorset