‘I believe it is a risk which we must minimise, but continue to take for the sake of our democracy’
Yesterday was one of those days that you hope never to see, or that anyone you know will have to endure.
The death of Sir David Amess was a cruel, heart-breaking tragedy. A family man liked and respected across the Houses of Parliament, the loss his loved ones now face is incalculable.
Sir David died doing what most of us in Parliament see as an essential, but routine, part of our role as elected representatives. On a weekly basis we meet people we do not know in our offices, and in various venues around our constituencies, to see whether and how we can help them with an issue or to hear their views on the national agenda.
A dedicated public servant, he will have seen it simply as part of the job, despite previous attacks on colleagues and the death of Jo Cox.
Since then we have all been more aware of the danger, and careful to follow police advice. But yesterday was a reminder that whatever security we employ there will always be occasions when we are vulnerable.
There will be those who now question the open and accessible nature of British political practice which puts MPS, their staff and other elected representatives in such positions.
However, I believe that it is a risk which we must minimise, but continue to take for the sake of our democracy.
We may be in different political parties and disagree at times, but we all value and respect the dedicated public service that MPS of all parties give to the public.
I believe that it is a fundamental principle of our parliamentary democracy that we are available and accessible to our constituents, even when it is difficult, or dangerous. I have been threatened, many friends and colleagues have too – and their children.
On days like yesterday we are brought together by a common determination not to allow such tragedies, and the loss of a colleague, to come between us and the performance of our public service.
We are all feeling a little vulnerable today and there are conversations we will have to have over the coming days and weeks that we have had before. We all hope never to have them again.
Dear Reader,
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic we are suspending competition entries for all our prize crosswords.
Puzzles will continue to appear as normal but no entries will be accepted or prizes given.
We hope to return to normal as soon as possible.
The solution to this week’s cryptic crossword will appear next Saturday as usual.
Stay safe!
Joy Yates, Editorial Director
Across
1 Ability to be liked by ordinary people, it’s the usual feeling (6,5)
9 Bird’s incomplete crest (9)
10 Camp-kettle is Richard’s in other
words (5)
11 Antelope or ox crossing railway
(4)
12 Streak with less hair? Nonsense
(10)
14 Ruminant be taken in by one
before ten (4)
15 Charlie replaced container for
musical instrument (10)
19 Overseeing agreement included
time for deep reflection (10)
20 Way to back steer (4)
21 Prolonged hesitation when I
name result (10)
23 Mark of seaside borough (4)
25 Dreadful having been allowed to
start late (5)
27 A scholar I confused about breed
of cattle (9)
28 Armlet Penny removed for a very
long time (11)
Down
1 New lady he cured with ringlets
(5-6)
2 Groucho’s visible impressions on
the radio (4)
3 He is not even included (3,3,3)
4 Flower material (5)
5 Type of bowling that’s not on, not
leg! (8)
6 Cast spell on tenth chap (3)
7 Saying that’s sharp, I’m surprisingly including nothing (8)
8 Reuben’s mother in trouble ahead
(4)
13 Scary aortic disaster, blue blood
resulting (11)
16 Bar food (9)
17 Star skater is troubled (8)
18 Perfectionist making jam with the
French recipe in short (8)
21 First person for instance giving
expression of surprise (1,3)
22 South African tea for the lady (5) 24 Blockhead left in spot (4)
26 Dandy’s fine work (3)