Western Morning News (Saturday)
Shadow Home Secretary pays respects to victims
SHADOW Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds joined Plymouth MP Luke Pollard in laying flowers in memory of those who lost their lives in the Keyham shooting.
Mr Thomas-Symonds called for the government not to forget the victims and community in Keyham as the national news agenda moved on.
During his visit, the Labour politician met with local police, to thank them for all their work supporting victims. He also met Keyham’s Neighbourhood Watch and its chairman Kevin Sproston.
Discussing the tragedy the Shadow Home Secretary said: “We around the country, who have come to pay our respects, just want to let you know you do not stand alone.”
He added: “This is a devastating time. I’m thinking of Maxine, Stephen, Kate, Lee and Sophie, all lost from this community and I’m thinking of their family and friends. I’m thinking of the people of Keyham and I’m thinking of the people in Plymouth.
“I have been truly humbled by how people have come together to support each other in this hour of need. We have to make sure that support for Plymouth comes from the national level as well.”
Speaking about gun control in the UK, the Shadow Home Secretary said: “I think there are some very profound questions here about how the perpetrator came to have a gun licence in the first place.”
He added: “There is a responsibility from government to take action to do everything they possibly can to prevent something like this happening again.”
Mr Pollard, Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP, said: “The community has really pulled together. Keyham is a tight-knit community anyway and they have really looked after one another.
“I want to thank all those community leaders that stepped up, the support services, the emergency services not only from Devon and Cornwall but the wider services too that have made a difference to our community.”