THIS week I attended the opening of Parliament. After the campaign and a fortnight of settling into Westminster life, it was an emotional experience.

As expected for such an event, the House of Commons was packed. I managed to grab a spot just outside the doorway of the House of Lords where I could hear, if not see, the King’s Speech. Dozens of bills were set out by the new Labour government and while I am proud to be part of the process that will take them through Parliament and enshrine them in law, it was also a reminder of how much work there is to be done after years of paper-thin agendas from a Conservative government and unnecessary economic stagnation.

As I listened to the King speak of a new deal for working people, halving violence against women and girls, updating the Mental Health Act, and committing to a clean energy transition, I was overcome with both a sense of relief and a rising resolve to attack the challenges ahead. Finally, change is coming.

This is the first time - in a long time - that I've been away from Cornwall for more than two weeks and it feels a wrench. But things are finally happening, Parliament is functioning again, and knowing that I'll be spending more time here passing the laws that will get the country going makes the distance easier to accept, even if there's no beach in Westminster.

I know that back in Cornwall people will want to 'feel' change rather than simply hear politicians talk about it but in order for that to happen we have to grow the economy - something my colleague Rachel Reeves, the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer, is absolutely dedicated to. It will take time but this Labour government will fix our public services and build a higher standard of housing that is more secure and safe for renters and buyers alike.

We'll also be investing in industry, new skills and technologies via a National Wealth Fund and making work pay with a minimum wage set at a level people can live on, decided by the Low Pay Commission, not ministers. A small difference, but one with huge consequences for working people.

On the environment, I'm excited to be part of a renewed surge to lead the world once again on combating climate change, with investment in British green energy and a drive to make tomorrow's power grid homegrown. That will benefit our economy in Cornwall, the country's stronghold of renewable energy, and create good new local jobs.

Our to-do list is long, there is no denying that. The King's Speech put down the foundations for a new Britain but it's one that will take time to build. What matters now is that we've started that journey. It's time to get to work.

Jayne Kirkham

Labour MP for Truro & Falmouth