MPs of Southwark have shared their condolences online following the tragic death of Sir David Amess on Friday.
Sir David, who had been a Conservative MP since 1983 and represented the Southend West constituency, was stabbed multiple times during his regular meeting with constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.
MP Harriet Harman drew attention to her history with Sir David and his “boundless energy” for cross-party causes, including a letter they both signed to Boris Johnson requesting an apology over the subject of forced adoptions.
With boundless energy, Sir David Amess enthusiastically championed so many cross-party causes. ? here’s just one example. So sad, such a loss. https://t.co/WY7BJr0JaQ
— Harriet Harman (@HarrietHarman) October 15, 2021
Meanwhile, MPs Helen Hayes and Neil Coyle expressed their gratitude to their own constituents’ support during this time, highlighting that their job “should not put them or their team at risk.”
Helen Hayes added: “There is no place for violence & hate in our democracy.”
Devastating news that David Amess has died. My thoughts are with David’s family, staff & the communities of Southend & Leigh-on-Sea who voted for him to represent them many times over & in whose service he was killed. There is no place for violence & hate in our democracy https://t.co/5EX28Bxcis
— Helen Hayes ?? (@helenhayes_) October 15, 2021
Many thanks to everyone who has been in touch, including @MPSSouthwark @Southwarkcathed & so many more, sending love & support following the awful news about Sir David. My job should not put me or my team at risk. His family & team remain in my thoughts #moreincommon
— Neil Coyle (@coyleneil) October 16, 2021
All three MPs sent their support to Sir David’s family.
This is so tragic. Such a great loss to parliament & public life. Above all my heart goes out to his family. https://t.co/XxC4X6se5R
— Harriet Harman (@HarrietHarman) October 15, 2021
Today is hard. I’m thinking of David Amess’ family & his staff who witnessed the attack. I’m so grateful for kind messages & to attend events in my constituency in support of our local foodbank & promoting FairTrade. We hold tight to these precious aspects of our community life pic.twitter.com/MZtkyUjQNG
— Helen Hayes ?? (@helenhayes_) October 16, 2021
Deeply saddened & shocked by the awful news today. My thoughts & prayers are with the family of Sir David Amess. No MP or their family or team should fear being attacked when simply trying to help people. We have #moreincommon & David was one of the most pleasant amongst us.
— Neil Coyle (@coyleneil) October 15, 2021
Sir David, 69, who was married with four daughters and a son, is the second MP to be killed in recent years following the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in June 2016.
A 25-year-old man named as Ali Harbi Ali, is currently being detained under the Terrorism Act.