Sir David Amess: Boris Johnson pays tribute to MP killed in knife attack

Boris Johnson has said Sir David was killed in his constituency surgery, after “almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the United Kingdom”.

He added: “The reason people are so shocked and sad is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics.

“He also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable.”

The Home Secretary has posted her own tribute to Sir David Amess, adding that his death does raise questions over MPs’ safety.

She tweeted: “Questions are rightly being asked about the safety of our country's elected representatives and I will provide updates in due course.”

When asked about whether the death of Sir David, which comes only five years after the murder of Jo Cox, highlights a problem with the security protection of MPs, Boris Johnson said:

“I think what we need to do now is let the police get on with the investigation.

“I am sure that all those issues will be considered in the proper time but I think this is a moment for us to think of Sir David, his wife, his family and our thoughts are very much with them.”

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was a “dark and shocking day” after MP Sir David Amess was stabbed at a constituency meeting on Friday.

“My heart goes out to David’s wife and children, his staff, friends and constituents,” he said.

“This is a dark and shocking day. The whole country will feel it acutely, perhaps the more so because we have, heartbreakingly, been here before.

“Above all else, today I am thinking of David, of the dedicated public servant that he was and of the depth of positive impact he had for the people he represented. Informed by his faith, David had a profound sense of duty, that I witnessed first hand in Parliament. His Catholicism was central to his political life and he was highly respected across Parliament, within the church, and in the Christian community.

“Let us come together in response to these horrendous events. We will show once more that violence, intimidation and threats to our democracy will never prevail over the tireless commitment of public servants simply doing their jobs.”

Kim Leadbetter, the sister of murdered MP Jo Cox, who was herself elected as MP for Batley and Spen earlier this year, has spoken of her emotions today.

“It’s so important that we get good people in public life, but this is the risk we’re all taking,” she said.

“At the heart of it are David’s family and friends. I know that their lives will never be the same again. They will think of this for the rest of their lives.”

She added: “It’s unbelievable. I still can’t believe it’s happened. It’s very raw.

“But the main people who are on my mind are David’s family friends. I know the rollercoaster that they will be on. There’s so little you can say.”