Fears raised by events around world

International events seem to be dominating headlines at the moment. The tragedy unfolding in Japan has been on a truly unimaginable scale.

There are a number of Japanese nationals living in Loughborough and, of course, in 2012 we will host Team Japan during the Olympics.

On Saturday, I met some of our Japanese community who were collecting money to help those affected by the recent terrible events.

The British Government has deployed a search-and-rescue team to affected areas in the north east of Japan and they are co-ordinating their rescue operation with local search-and-rescue teams.

The British Ambassador and a team of consular staff have also visited Sendai to assess the level of damage and to help locate British nationals as well as offering other help if needed.

The Government continues to monitor the developing situation at Japan's nuclear facilities closely and will keep its health advice to foreign nationals living in Japan under constant review.

I realise from my postbag that this incident has sparked fears among many people about the safety of nuclear power in the UK.

I am a supporter of nuclear power as a low carbon energy source, which has the potential to play a very important role in the move away from fossil fuels.

At the same time, I agree with the Prime Minister that there are certainly lessons to be learned from Japan and I am pleased that the Energy Secretary has asked our Chief Nuclear Inspector, Dr Mike Weightman, for a thorough report on the implications of the situation.

It is worth noting that the UK does not have reactors of the design of those in Fukushima and neither does it plan to build any.

The Government has also made clear that nuclear power will not be supported at the expense of other low carbon technology.

As events have unfolded in Japan, the popular uprisings in Libya and in the wider Middle East continue to gather pace.

In many parts of the Arab world, hopes and aspirations that have been smothered for decades are stirring.

People – especially young people – are seeking their rights, and in the vast majority of cases they are doing so peacefully and bravely.

This is a precious opportunity for the people of the Middle East to build more democratic and open societies and I believe we must do everything we reasonably can to support those aspirations.

On Libya, the Government made it clear that Colonel Gaddafi must put an immediate end to the use of armed force against civilians and hand over power without delay to a representative and accountable government, which recognises the aspirations of the Libyan people.

As Gaddafi continues to brutalise his own people, I firmly believe there should be no let up on the pressure we put on his regime.

However, as the Prime Minister has said, any action we take must be based on three conditions: demonstrable need, regional support and a clear legal basis.

Iraq is the elephant in the room when we are discussing action in Libya.

I believe Britain should only act as part of an international effort and I welcome the UN Security Council resolution backing "all necessary measures" to protect civilians.

Back in Westminster, the attention of MPs will be on the Chancellor's Budget Statement this week.

I recently held a meeting with members of the Loughborough Constituency Community Business Forum, who shared with me their thoughts on issues affecting their businesses in the run-up to the Budget.

Some of the key messages that came out of the meeting included the need to simplify employment and pensions legislation, provide greater support for employers seeking to find skilled future employees and apprentices, and the need to tackle high fuel prices.

I was also delighted to attend this year's Leicestershire Asian Business Association Awards dinner, which celebrated the achievements of many small businesses.

The Budget offers the chance to show the Government is well on its way towards creating the best possible environment for businesses in this country to start and prosper.

If You would like to contact Nicky Morgan MP, call her on 01509 262 723, or e-mail:

nicky.morgan.mp@parliament.co.uk