WHILE the scale and pace of movement in British politics is not unprecedented, it is certainly dizzying.

As we reach the final stages of Brexit negotiations the sense of urgency grows by the day - as does the frustration of so many of my constituents who want Parliament to “just get on with it”.

I totally agree, which is why I have been consistently voting for the PM’s deal which delivers Brexit by March 29. But, it is also right that the concerns raised by MPs over the backstop are being addressed and I expect there to be progress on this in the next few days.

Sadly, it increasingly clear that there are still too many MPs for whom even a legally binding change to the backstop will not be sufficient to gain their support and who are prepared to inflict economic disruption and uncertainty on their constituents by supporting a No Deal Brexit.

We also have the deeply cynical statement from the Labour Party that they are minded to hold another Brexit referendum, in direct contravention of their manifesto, raising the prospect of no Brexit at all. This uncertainty cannot continue.

As a business minister, I see every day the impact this is having on business confidence, investment and hiring plans.

That is why, along with other ministers, we have been clear this week that the PM must allow votes shortly on the improved Withdrawal Agreement and future framework, and if she cannot secure a majority, to seek a short delay from the EU rather than deliver a disorderly ramshackle Brexit that benefits no one. We can exit with a good deal and it is my firm intention to make sure that we do.

Any non-Brexit news is extremely welcome, as is any announcement that benefits the thousands of service personnel who call the Devizes constituency their home.

That is why I was pleased to see the recent announcement that our armed forces service leavers and their families will now be able to access military accommodation for up to a year after leaving the services, giving them more time to look for permanent accommodation as they transition to civilian life.

The government already offers a comprehensive package of housing support to veterans, including high priority access to social housing and the Forces Help to Buy Scheme, but this additional measure will ensure that every person who has served in our armed forces, and their families, has more time to make the transition to civilian life that bit easier.