Vital MPs are both visible and available
The tragic death of Jo Cox, the Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen, last week sent shockwaves throughout our country.
While as I write many details of the events last Thursday in Yorkshire have still to emerge, it’s already clear that there will be a range of repercussions on our politics and public life.
But I’d like to start by thanking each and every one of the dozens of constituents who have phoned, emailed or written to me in the past few days to pass on your personal support at this difficult time. I have been overwhelmed by these positive messages, and look forward to replying to them all in the days ahead.
Throughout the discussions to come, I hope that we can look to address the intemperate and confrontational way in which some of our current public debate is taking place, especially on issues surrounding the referendum on our membership of the EU. I think it’s something that each and every elected figure should reflect on, and pledge to improve. I hope I can play my part in this too.
Over and above this context, there have already been some calls for MPs and MSPs to change the way in which we work in order to improve our personal security.
Of course it’s possible to put even stronger locks on our office doors or reduce the information we give out in advance of our constituency surgeries and other public engagements. Some may even feel justified in asking MPs to retreat to a fortified Palace of Westminster, behind its heavily armed guards and security checkpoints.
That’s not my preferred option. I want our democracy to continue to be one where public servants lead from the front, not one where those elected to Holyrood or Westminster cower in the shadows from those who elected them.
It’s important to me, as it is to all my parliamentary colleagues, that my work is grounded in a proper understanding of the needs and desires of my constituents across Ochil and South Perthshire.
I can only ensure that this continues by making myself visible and available for constituents at every available opportunity.
So in the weeks and months ahead, I’ll pay my respects to Jo Cox by continuing to work hard both at Westminster and here in Perthshire on behalf of everyone in my constituency.
With that in mind, this summer I hope to see you all at your local Highland Games, festival, charity event or surgery, where I’ll continue to be at your service.
Please contact me at tas. mp@parliament.uk or call 01259 333219 if there’s anything I can do to help.