This week the news has been dominated by the government’s response to the Leveson report as well as the budget.

At the time of writing the contents of the budget are not known; but it is clear that the Chancellor does not have much room for manoeuvre. Getting to grips with the deficit and securing growth must remain his priorities.

However, alongside inducements to encourage investment, the Chancellor must prioritise measures to reduce the cost of living for low earners. Continuing respite from Labour’s fuel duty escalator is critical in our rural setting, reducing the cost of childcare and taking the first £10,000 of earnings out of tax should be his priorities.

There are no quick fixes to the dire legacy we inherited but the Chancellor should prioritise assistance for those who work hard and do the right thing.

On the government’s response to Leveson, what happened to the Dowlers, the McCanns and other innocent people was despicable. We need a new system of press regulation to prevent such appalling acts happening again, while protecting our free press.

The Leveson Inquiry reported on press standards and all-party discussions followed.

This week, after much debate, a Royal Charter has been agreed. This will mean upfront apologies, million-pound fines, an independent self-regulatory body, a standards code, a free arbitration service for victims and a speedy complaint handling mechanism.

On Monday Parliament sat late to debate the Royal Charter plan. It has now been agreed that politicians cannot easily interfere in regulating the press but the Royal Charter will provide for the toughest possible regulation in the free world and real justice for victims, while maintaining the freedom of the press and ensuring they will sign up.

On Friday I am speaking at the Sarum College men’s breakfast before a surgery, after which I return to Westminster to debate the future of Wiltshire’s Courts – as I seek to persuade the government to think again on their proposals for Salisbury.

On Monday I look forward to formally opening Salisbury City Church’s Job Club – a fine example of one of our faith communities reaching out to the small but significant group of people in Salisbury who need help and practical support to find employment.