MP’s killing forces councillors to look at their own safety
Tragedy sparks rethink of face-to-face meetings
Perth and Kinross councillors have shared their safety concerns following the killing of MP Sir David Amess.
The council says members have not been advised to stop holding face-to-face meetings with constituents following the Southend West representative’s death.
They add that regular personal safety training courses are available for its elected members.
But some councillors have adapted their behaviour.
The personal safety of politicians has come under review following the death of Sir David Amess in what is being treated as a terrorist attack. The Conservative MP was killed on October 15 whilst holding a surgery in his constituency.
We asked Perth and Kinross councillors how safe they have felt since the tragedy.
Liberal Democrat Perth City South councillor Willie Wilson has been a local councillor since 1980.
He said: “Obviously every elected member needs to review their security arrangements. This is something - in reality - we should all do on a regular basis but it is usually amongst other priorities.
“Personally I have not held surgeries during the COVID period but I will take into account the most recent advice given by the police and others in considering opening up surgeries again.
“The blunt reality is politicians at all levels need to be accessible to the public in a democracy.”
Conservative Carse of Gowrie councillor Angus Forbes revealed he has twice felt unsafe when meeting constituents at their homes.
Cllr Forbes said he would now think twice about meeting a constituent in their home or being alone for a surgery.
He said: “Unlike MPs and MSPs we don’t have staff or offices with people who know where we are and what we are doing. Many times I’ll go and meet a constituent and no one knows where I am or who I am seeing.
“I would certainly think carefully about doing a surgery in a church hall if no one else is around and I do not think I would go into anyone’s house unless I knew them.
“If I really need to speak to someone, I would meet them at the site or in a public place.”
But Cllr Forbes thinks it is not just elected members at risk.
He said: “The problem is that people get angry at the system and they don’t see us as their representatives there to help them - rather they see us as part of the system and a face to get angry at. It’s not limited to elected members, I have seen first-hand some of the horrific emails sent to council staff by angry residents.”
He added: “We still need to represent our constituents and I’ll continue to do so but probably with a heightened sense of awareness.”
Perth City Centre SNP councillor Andrew Parrott said: “The event that took place in Essex was truly terrible and it would be much better if these things did not happen but we live in a much less than perfect world.”
Cllr Parrott said he always tries to be alert and conscious of his surroundings when meeting constituents.
He added: “With advancing years I am not as nimble as I used to be and none of the above might ultimately save me but I believe simply being alert reduces the level of risk.”
SNP group leader and Strathtay councillor Grant Laing first wanted to send his condolences to the family and friends of Sir David Amess.
He added: “I feel that to fully represent constituents I have to be able to interact with them by phone or by email, and to meet them virtually or in person.
“I will remain alert but will not be changing the way I carry out what I see as my duties as an elected member at PKC. I am perhaps fortunate that my meetings have always been courteous although strong and differing opinions have often been expressed and that I have never felt threatened in any way by any of my constituents.”
Perth City South Liberal Democrat councillor Liz
Barrett - one of PKC’s most recent additions - has decided against holding surgeries and has been the “target of some vitriolic correspondence.”
She said: “Following [recent] events, and also the ever-present threat of violence directed at women, I have decided with regret that I will not be arranging surgeries, but will continue to meet residents whenever appropriate and taking account of the latest guidance from the police and government.
“What I would like to see changed is people’s attitude towards politicians, the vast majority of whom are ordinary people who - like me - have got involved because they want to serve and to make a difference where we live.
“Since my election I have personally been the target of some vitriolic correspondence and - I believe - comments on social media (I don’t do Twitter for this reason). I would like everyone, from all parties and none, to show more respect and care for those who work to represent them whether on the council or in parliament.”
A PKC spokesman said: “Elected members have not been advised to stop holding face- to- face meetings with constituents. However, if at any point they feel their personal safety is at risk they take all necessary steps to ensure they do not come to any harm and contact the police.”
I’d certainly think carefully about doing a surgery in a church hall if no one else is around