MSPs’ security to be tightened

arrangements for MSPs are being examined by Holyrood following the death of Sir David Amess.

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone gave a short statement to the Scottish parliament yesterday, saying she felt ‘profound shock and sadness’ following the MP’s death. Sir David was attacked during a constituency surgery in Leighon-Sea in Essex on October 15.

Miss Johnstone told MSPs: ‘The parliament seeks to ensure that you have the support you need to enable you and your staff to carry out your duties as openly and safely as possible.

‘Members have received various updates about security in recent days.’

She said the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body, which includes MSPs from across parties, would discuss security arrangements at its next meeting.

Nicola Sturgeon said Sir David was ‘a good and decent man, a thoughtful and dedicated MP who served his constituSECURITY ents faithfully for almost four decades’. She said there were ‘serious issues’ around the safety of elected representatives, saying the work of the Corporate Body was of ‘vital importance’.

The First Minister added: ‘I suspect we are united across this chamber in our determination not to let our democracy be undermined by those who commit heinous crimes.’

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said too many politicians were facing threats and abuse, noting a councillor had recently decided to leave politics after his house was firebombed.

Mr Ross added: ‘When evil visited David’s surgery 11 days ago, they robbed us of a true public servant, a colleague, a friend and a passionate campaigner.’