This has been an incredibly sad week in Westminster as we come to terms with the sudden and horrific loss of my dear friend and colleague Sir David Amess. Alongside my colleagues I am heartbroken, David was the loveliest man, who always went out of his way to be kind and encouraging to all MPs, irrespective of views or political party.
Since becoming an MP in 1983, David has been a pillar of his community and he was killed whilst serving his constituents as he had done for decades. David’s legacy will remain with the people he touched and supported throughout his career, many of whom have shared their feelings and stories of him over the past week.
I will always be grateful to him for the kindness he showed me, the pearls of wisdom he shared, but most of all his infectious sense of fun leading to much laughter. Of course, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, his children and his family.
His death also raises some serious concerns about the role of MPs, how we are viewed by people, and the risks of the job – given this is the third stabbing and second murder since 2010. There are a range of measures in place to protect MPs, but it is right the police are now reviewing these arrangements. I am hugely grateful to the Parliamentary Security Service and the police, both the Met and Sussex Police, and our Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, for all their work to protect our democracy. That said, it has almost become part of the job for many public servants to be targeted with threats and abuse, both in person and online – which is unacceptable.
It is a great privilege to serve as your MP. My favourite part of the role is meeting people here in the constituency through my surgeries, pub tours, open meetings, and visiting schools, charities, businesses, and other public services. We cannot allow acts of terror, hate or abuse to prevent our democracy from being open and accessible to all.
Over the past week, I have been touched that so many of you have written to offer your support. I have had letters and emails from constituents, organisations and even a lovely note from an opposition Party Chairman, who wrote to wish me well as I carry out work locally as Chichester’s MP. Despite the huge sadness of recent events, these letters of support and encouragement have been heartwarming, so thank you all.
