Sir David Amess: MP remembered at moving church service

Sir Lindsay Hoyle pays tribute to Sir David Amess

Sir Lindsay told how the last few days had been the ‘darkest weekend’ after the Tory MP for Southend West was stabbed to death on Friday.

“David was a great friend to all of us,” he said, speaking on LBC Radio.

“Sir David brought warmth. He was a politician who loved his job, he got the most out of it, which is why he got so many of his constituents who loved him.

“He was popular throughout the House. He did something we would all love to do…he united politicians and brought us together not only in grief, but also in ensuring that the democratic process survived.

The President stressed: “My thoughts are with his wife Julia and his family.

“It’s been the darkest weekend I’ve had.”

Calling for the murder to lead to a change in policy without “hate and malice”, he added: “Today we can make a fresh start.

“Today we can leave a legacy to Sir David where we have nice politics, nicer Parliament, nicer politics around the world.

“We have to come together, think about the language we use.

“Let’s have political differences. I’m here to mediate this, but what we don’t need is hate and meanness, because if we’re nicer to each other, the public will be nicer, and the media will have of course a role to play in that.

The family of Sir David Amess read the floral tributes left to the slain MP

The family of Sir David Amess took comfort in reading messages about the floral tributes left outside the church where the Tory MP was stabbed to death.

Sir David’s widow Julia wiped tears from her eyes during the visit to Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex on Monday morning.

The group of six hugged and held hands as they looked through the posts people had written.

Accompanied by church minister Clifford Newman, they then bowed their heads and formed a semi-circle around the churchman as he delivered a short private address.

Mr Clifford then hugged Lady Julia, speaking to the other members of the group and shaking hands as he left.

House of Commons observes a minute’s silence for Sir David Amess

The House of Commons observed a minute’s silence in memory of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

It took place at the start of the school year on Monday after prayer.

The president’s chaplain, Tricia Hillas, told the chamber, “May the bright memory of his rich life forever overshadow the tragic manner of his death.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle comments on ‘despicable’ death

Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle opens the House of Commons and addresses the House after a minute’s silence to remember Sir David Amess.

“The circumstances of Sir David’s death are despicable and raise the most fundamental questions about how members of this House are able to carry out their vital democratic responsibilities safely,” he said.

“In light of the ongoing police investigation, I will not say more about the events, but I promise the House that I will do everything in my power to ensure that these matters are addressed with urgency and with the sense of the priority they deserve. ”

Sir Lindsay also acknowledged the death of Tory MP and former cabinet minister James Brokenshire, who died aged 53 following his battle with lung cancer.

Parliament: “A lot of MPs want to talk” after the death of Sir David Amess

Sir Lindsay said the House of Commons wanted to pay tribute to both James Brokenshire and Sir David Amess and that “many, many members want to talk”.

Tributes can be paid to Mr Brokenshire, former MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, following the Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Monday’s business plans in the chamber of Westminster Hall will be replaced by questions from the Home Office followed by tributes from MPs to Sir David, MP for Southend West.

A service will be held to commemorate Sir David at St Margaret’s Church at 6 p.m. and the House will adjourn at 5.30 p.m. in time for MPs to attend.

Sir Lindsay said a book of condolences will also be left for members to sign.

Parliament: “A lot of MPs want to talk” after the death of Sir David Amess

Sir Lindsay said the House of Commons wanted to pay tribute to both James Brokenshire and Sir David Amess and that “many, many members want to talk”.

Tributes can be paid to Mr Brokenshire, former MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, following the Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Monday’s business plans in the chamber of Westminster Hall will be replaced by questions from the Home Office followed by tributes from MPs to Sir David, MP for Southend West.

A service will be held to commemorate Sir David at St Margaret’s Church at 6 p.m. and the House will adjourn at 5.30 p.m. in time for MPs to attend.

Sir Lindsay said a book of condolences will also be left for members to sign.

Priti Patel shares her thoughts for Sir David’s wife and family after MP’s death

Speaking in the Commons, Home Secretary Priti Patel said of Sir David Amess: “His assassination is a terrible and sad moment in our history, an attack on our democracy and an appalling tragedy.

“We are all thinking of David, Julia and their family.”

Interior minister condemns ‘extremely dangerous’ protests

Ms Patel continued: “These protests are extremely dangerous. They have caused great economic damage.

“They have caused misery and distress to the law-abiding public and they have also prevented members of the public from going about their daily business.”

MP calls for government security review

Sheryll Murray has called on the government to review its security procedures for all those in positions that come into contact with the public.

The Conservative MP for South East Cornwall called her late colleague Sir David Amess ‘the most excellent colleague’ when she addressed the House on Monday.

“On Friday we saw the worst kind of illegal protest where my good friend was stabbed while doing his job,” she said.

“I unfortunately know that on this occasion it was one of our colleagues, but will the government consider how we help to keep all these people working in public roles safe?”

Priti Patel echoes calls for a government security review

Priti Patel has told the Commons she has echoed calls for a government security review for all workers in positions that come into contact with the public.

“We have a duty and a responsibility and there is a lot of work going on right now with our police forces across the country to do just that.”

The Home Secretary advised to expect updates over the next few days, particularly for MPs and members of the public in terms of wider protection.