IT is hard to comprehend the unprovoked and unjustified Russian military build-up on Ukraine’s borders, not surprisingly, many of you have contacted me to share your concerns.

The UK has been playing a leading role internationally standing with our allies in support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. We have been working through the diplomatic process to encourage de- escalation in the region. We have also been training troops in Ukraine and have troops based in Poland, and last week, to give us further levers should it be necessary, in Parliament we passed legislation that will enable us to trigger Russian sanctions.

Not just on the state but also on individuals and organisations if needed so that any potential sanctions can be directed where they will most hurt. We are also taking further steps to combat any potential Russian related money laundering focused on our capital city, London.

Whilst on a military note I welcomed a group from 40 Commando to Westminster last week and want to give them a special thank you for all they do to keep us safe, we reflected my previous campaign to retain their base in Taunton which all agreed is welcome.

I’ve been working on dental provision across the constituency, or rather the lack of it, particularly in Wellington, I recently met with the Health Minister to highlight the extreme difficulties many residents are facing and to make clear that the situation needs to be improved. I welcome the £50M of extra funding that Government has recently announced across England to support 350,000 additional dental appointments, with £4.7M being allocated to the South West region. Since meeting with the Minister, I have engaged with the Director of Commissioning Operations for dentistry in the South West, to ensure dental practices in this area apply for their share of this funding so that additional appointments can be provided. I will keep up the pressure on this in Westminster because this situation must be improved.

One health facility that has applied innovative new thinking to its services is the Taunton Vale Medical Centre and I was pleased to visit recently and discuss the new model for the adjoining community pharmacy and meet the staff.

Rebecca Pow

MP for Taunton Deane