Ukraine continues to keep my boss, the Defence Secretary, very busy as the UK continues to support the country in many different ways, including militarily, as it fights off the Russian invasion.

I am doing my small bit to assist him and on Monday I chaired an intelligence briefing for MPs and Peers in Westminster where the latest information we have was shared. I cannot go into details about what was said but it’s important to say that we are keeping up to date with the situation on the ground in Ukraine. I also think I break no official secrets by saying the Ukrainians are undertaking a tremendous defence of their country and inflicting heavy losses on the Russians.

There is now more substantial talk of a ceasefire and negotiations continue. Anything that can bring an end to the bloodshed has to be welcomed. Let’s hope Putin can see sense and stop this reckless conflict by turning his tanks around and heading back over the border.

Ukraine has knocked Covid from the headlines to some extent but the virus is still here and infections are rising.

Luckily our vaccine rollout and better treatments means Covid is not the issue it was this time two years ago, but we cannot be complacent and we need to protect the most vulnerable as we learn to live with it.

So, I am really pleased people aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes, and those aged 12 years and over with weakened immune systems are now eligible for a spring Covid booster jab.

The booster will be given six months after the last dose and everyone should wait four weeks before having your jab if you have tested positive recently.

You can call 119 or book an appointment online at https://www.nhs.uk/.../coro.../book-coronavirus-vaccination/ Please go and get the vaccine if called forward. It is the best way to keep everyone from getting seriously ill from Covid and it will allow us to live with this disease and recover from the pandemic.

In another health matter, I have launched a survey about Stourbridge GP surgery appointments.

I firmly believe surgeries should offer timely and accessible appointments so that patients can see their doctor swiftly and in the way that they want.

That’s why I want to hear your views and experiences of GP surgeries.

The survey will be dropping on doormats across the area in the coming weeks.

You can also complete it by clicking here.

Your answers will help me to understand the situation in the constituency so that I can work with local GP surgeries to provide better services for local residents.