I’m sure that everyone in Ashfield has happy memories of visiting Britain's coast. So that is why I was delighted to be able to support the Marine and Coastal Access Bill when it came before the House of Commons.

We all know the pressures on our land and seas – and these will only increase with changing climate, population and the need for resources. Amazingly these proposals are the first time any country anywhere in the world has tried to manage the sea in a coherent way that takes in the interests of the plants and animals in the sea, as well as the opportunity to get energy from the seas' waves and winds and the natural resources lie beneath.

I was also delighted that plans are being discussed for a continuous path around England's coast. This will mean that everyone will be able to walk along our wonderful coastline.

People have been campaigning for a marine bill for many years. After all this hard work it was a great moment to be able, at last, to get into the final stages of sorting out these issues.

So with these proposals we will get new protections for the birds, fish and plants that make up the edge of our island nation. We will all have the right to stand on dramatic cliff tops. And we will make sure that we can safely make the best of the wind, waves and natural resources that our so important to the future of our country.

I hope that is a useful update to reassure you that despite all you read in the papers, Parliament is getting on with the job of building Britain's future.

Ashfield MP, Geoff Hoon attended Nottingham Castle recently to commemorate the lead up to Armed Forces Day. He was accompanied by Bex Bailey and James Faulconbridge both A level students who discussed with the former Defence Secretary the need to continually support the Armed Forces. Included in the visit was a tour of the Regimental Museum of the Sherwood Foresters.

The first Armed Forces Day takes place on 27 June 2009. Across the county people are showing their support by holding local events and to start the proceedings, local authorities held a flag-raising ceremony on 22 June.

Geoff Hoon said 'I am extremely pleased to support Armed Forces Day. This gives people a real opportunity to show proper recognition to the enormous contribution our Armed Forces make to our way of life.'