The shocking and violent death of Sir David Amess, the Member of Parliament for Southend West last month has changed the lives of his family, friends and Parliamentary colleagues, who mourn the loss of this decent, kind and good man.
It is a fitting tribute to his years of campaigning that Southend is to be given City status. I will always be grateful to him for his kindness when I arrived in Parliament in 2017.
The circumstances of Sir David’s death means all of us working in Parliament and our constituencies need to take stock of our safety, although I do not and I am grateful for the support of Essex Police at all times. in I do not intend to change the way I work and campaign locally.
Sadly, since Sir David’s death, we have seen two teenage boys die in Brentwood and, although the police say this was an isolated incident, I understand how frightening and worrying it is for all of us living in the area. I am in regular contact with the Brentwood District Commander, Chief Inspector Ant Alcock, who is based in Brentwood Police Station at the Town Hall. I know how hard our local policing team are working us all safe, and I thank them for all they do.
