Killing of Sir David Amess cannot be allowed to strip us of our democracy

WRITING this column only 24 hours after the murder of my party colleague, Southend West MP Sir David Amess, it is difficult to put into words the emotions felt by every British person – regardless of party affiliation – at this horrible tragedy. At this time it is not entirely certain what the motivation was for this senseless act of violence, although reports suggest it is being treated as a terrorist incident by police.

Coming only five years after the horrific murder of Jo Cox, these losses are both personal and political. Personal in the sense that the lives taken too soon leave behind spouses, children, close friends and loved ones, all of whom will carry the grief with them for the rest of their lives. And political in the sense that both MPs were murdered while carrying out their public duties. It is a tribute to the strength of our democracy that our elected representatives are so accessible to those they serve and it is a reminder to all of us that the vast majority of MPs work tirelessly to provide help to those in need.

As a local councillor who has held regular surgeries since my election, I’m well aware of how important that personal contact with constituents can be. It is also the case however that in some cases this personal contact can present a danger. Indeed, even at a local level, I have been subjected to a number of credible threats to my safety and my South Lanarkshire Council colleague Graeme Campbell has been forced out of politics altogether because of repeated arson attacks on his family home. It is up to all of us as a society to figure out how we can continue to enjoy a high level of accessibility with our elected representatives while also ensuring their personal safety and security against the minority who would wish to do them harm.

As Friday’s tragic events unfolded, tributes from across the political spectrum came pouring in – an indication in this polarised world of the level of respect and esteem that Sir David had garnered throughout his distinguished career. It is fitting that he be remembered for the causes he so passionately advocated for – including animal welfare and his inexhaustible campaign to secure city status for his constituency town. It shouldn’t need to be said that no one deserves to go to work one day and not return home to their loved ones. Unfortunately in this country, and around the world, political discourse has become more and more antagonistic. We paint political opponents as the enemy simply because we disagree with their methods. But the truth is that despite our differences, Conservatives, Labour, the SNP, Liberal Democrats and the Greens are not enemies. We simply have a different vision for how the country can be better run and the lives of our citizens be better improved. In a democratic society it is exceptionally healthy to have such a broad range of voices. There are those living in authoritarian countries who can only dream of the political freedoms we enjoy.

Those who perpetrate acts of violence against democratically elected representatives are doing so in an attempt to threaten those political freedoms and in an attack on our democracy. But we can’t let them win. We cannot be cowed into submission by those who wish to strip us of our right to meet and seek assistance from our Members of Parliament. So here I pay tribute to Sir David Amess – a true public servant until the very end. May he Rest in Peace.