SOUTH Dorset MP Richard Drax said MPs should not be stopped from doing their duty as he paid tribute to his friend - fellow Conservative MP Sir David Amess - who died after being stabbed at his constituency surgery.
Sir David, 69, the MP for Southend West was holding a surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex when he was attacked yesterday.
Police said a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.
READ MORE: Tory MP Sir David Amess dead after being stabbed at constituency meeting
The father-of-five is the second sitting MP to be killed in such circumstances in five years, following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016 as she attended a constituency surgery.
The killing of Sir David has sparked renewed calls for a review of MPs’ security and concern about the level of hostility towards politicians in the country.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said questions are “rightly being asked” about the safety of MPs and she will “provide updates in due course”.
Meanwhile, paying tribute, Richard Drax said: “Sir David was a kind, intelligent, gentle man and friend - and was a popular figure in the House of Commons on both sides. I send my deep condolences to his family. He was always humourous in the House and very passionate about city status for Southend.”
Mr Drax added: “It’s a ghastly act of violence and I’m deeply saddened.
“Our job as MPs is to represent our constituencies and we must be accessible to those we represent. We must always do the best for our country and party and should not be stopped from doing our duty.”
West Dorset MP Chris Loder also paid tribute, saying: “We were once sparring partners in the Houses of Commons on the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill in October last year.
“I’m deeply saddened by the news. He was a kind man and he shared my desire and priorities to animal welfare and the stop the abuse of animals.
“He will be a huge loss to our nation’s parliament and I send my condolences to his family.”
Michael Tomlinson, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said: “You could not have asked for a more courteous, respected and hardworking MP. May he rest in peace.”
MP for Bournemouth East, Tobias Ellwood, said on Twitter: “Deeply alarmed and shocked by the attack on our friend and colleague Sir David as he carried out his constituency duties.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. We must all be vigilant.”
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