Parliamentary business has been set aside this afternoon to pay tribute to Sir David Amess following his tragic death.
A minute’s silence followed by a statement from the speaker will commence at 14:30pm. MPs will stay gathered in the House of Commons to pay tribute, ahead of a service being held at St Margaret’s Church next to Parliament.
Sir David Amess was the MP for Southend West. He was holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on Friday 15th when he was fatally stabbed.
MPs across the UK have expressed their grief and condolences for the family of Sir Amess with outcry at the murder of another MP. Julian Sturdy, a Conservative Member of Parliament for York Outer, has released several tweets on the death of the MP.
Prior to the announcement that Sir Amess had died at the scene, Sturdy stated that he was: “Shocked and horrified at the appalling news that my colleague Sir David Amess MP has been stabbed while serving his constituents at a surgery. Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this terrible time.”
He later followed up with a dedication towards Sir Amess’s character: “A true gentleman respected across the House by all colleagues. A passionate advocate for his constituents and the issues they cared about.” Julian Sturdy will be attending Parliament today and participating in the coming up services for Sir Amess.
Other York and surrounding area MPs have released statements over the death of Sir Amess. Fellow conservative MPs Nigel Adams and Kevin Hollinrake are among them.
MP Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) said: “Sir David was a wonderfully kind colleague. A true gent who always had a smile on his face, he was respected and liked across the House. He was the best of constituency MPs but most importantly, a devoted husband and father. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Whilst MP Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton) stated: ” As someone who was so dedicated to his constituents, I can’t believe that Sir David Amess would want to see any major changes to the way MPs go about their business to result from the crazed action of a few extremists/extremism. Business as usual.”
Sir David Amess was the second MP murdered in five years. Following the death of Jo Cox who at the time of her death was a serving MP for Batley and Spen in the Labour Party. Jo Cox was on her way to do hold a routine constituency surgery where she was shot and stabbed, later passing away in Leeds General Infirmary. Sir Amess’s coat of arms is to be placed next to hers as a sign of respect.
Labour MP Rachael Maskell tweeted: “Kindness and love – let that be the new politics”
The proceedings will start at 14:30pm and broadcast live on parliamentlive.tv
