The Conservatives are very excited about fracking, but there is still a great deal of uncertainty about how much of the UK’s shale gas is recoverable, and how big an impact it would have. It’s very unlikely we’d see the big reductions in gas prices the US has seen in recent years. Importantly, there are significant environmental concerns, particularly about the impact on climate change of methane leaking into the atmosphere.

Last Tuesday I attended a Parliamentary debate on fracking, during which I emphasised that the only real way to mitigate climate change is through a global agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Liberal Democrat Energy Secretary Ed Davey has helped negotiate an EU-wide commitment to cut emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030, and the next vital step is to secure an ambitious global agreement at the UN conference in Paris next year.

To meet our share of those commitments, the Liberal Democrats in Coalition Government are investing heavily in new renewable energy sources. Investment in renewables has doubled, as has the amount of electricity produced from them. I was especially pleased to see the Government include the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon in the National Infra structure Plan published this week. It would be a world first, producing enough clean, renewable energy to power more than 150,000 homes.

Last Friday was Carers’ Rights Day, when we recognise the 1-in-8 adults in Wiltshire who give their time and energy to look after others in our community. We couldn’t manage without them, and they deserve our support. That’s why the Liberal Democrats want to give them a £250 Carer’s Bonus each year, to help them get some respite from what can be an exhausting calling.

At the weekend, I was out knocking on doors and speaking with local residents in Bradford on Avon and Chippenham, before watching the Christmas lights come to life in Chippenham town centre as part of the town’s Winter Festival. Parking charges were lifted for the weekend, which was warmly welcomed by the shoppers and traders I spoke to. This Saturday is Small Business Saturday, so why not support our local independent shops as you do your Christmas shopping too?

My next constituency surgeries will be at my office in Avonbridge House, Chippenham today (5), 5pm-6.30pm; at Bradford on Avon Library tomorrow, 10am-11.30am; and at Melksham Town Hall next Saturday, 10am-11.30am.