Democracy depends on MPs’ surgeries
THE MURDER of Sir David Amess MP has shocked us all. A cheerful man with a mischievous sense of humour, he was well-known for his dedication to the Southend West constituency so there’s something particularly disturbing about him being targeted while carrying out one of the most everyday and yet vital jobs of an MP – holding a constituency surgery.
Surgeries are a basic and essential component of our democracy. Members of the public have direct, face-to-face access to a person who was elected to represent them, regardless of whether they voted for them or not. I’ve been holding regular surgeries since I was elected to the City of Edinburgh Council in 2007, so closing my office for such a long time has been another of the many trying side effects of the pandemic. My team and I handle all kinds of cases, some of which are very sensitive, and contact with constituents exclusively by phone or email isn’t always the best or most accessible option for everyone.
As an MP, you want to know your constituency inside out, and be alert to the issues affecting constituents’ lives. Not being able to pop into new businesses to wish them well or attend community events for the last 18 months has meant missing out on an important part of my job that I really value and love.
Of course, everyone working in politics has been shaken by this and the other terrible attack on Jo Cox MP. Yes, we must remain vigilant and yes, will take every precaution, but direct access to elected politicians is an important part of our democracy and long may it continue.