IT IS good to see that unemployment has fallen again in Basingstoke and across the country.

I know that over the General Election campaign many people were concerned about the type of new jobs being created.

So it is good to see that the vast majority of new jobs are full-time, more than 85 per cent in the last year.

Furthermore three-quarters of all new jobs have been created outside of London and the South East.

The Government is also clamping down on the problems created for some through ‘zero hours’ contracts.

Now just one in 50 people in work are on zero-hours contracts.

n THE Basingstoke Festival is now well underway.

The World Party, held in Eastrop Park on Saturday, saw representatives from a huge number of local groups celebrating residents’ cultural heritage.

The Basingstoke Multicultural Association and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s organisation ensured that not even the British weather could dampen spirits.

n I WAS honoured to represent our community at the Armed Forces Flag Day commemoration on Monday.

The armed services work tirelessly to keep our country safe and here in Hampshire it is important to keep their contribution at the forefront of our minds.

YOU can contact Maria at The Mount, Bounty Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3DD, or at The House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA; on 0207 219 5749 or email maria.miller.mp@parliament.uk.

Appointments to see Maria at her regular advice bureau can be booked on the above number.