A tragic, terrible day and "an attack on everyone working in our democracy"

Following yesterday's shocking and senseless fatal stabbing of Southend West's longserving Conservative MP Sir David Amess, we wish to echo the sentiments in the statement released by Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey. We also send our deepest sympathy to Sir David's family, friends and colleagues.

"All those who put themselves forward for public service through politics should be respected, regardless of which party they represent and
what views they hold," said Wealden LibDems Parliamentary Spokesperson Chris Bowers on hearing the tragic news. "And in this sense David Amess's murder is an attack on everyone working in our democracy. He was an example of a politician who never sought ministerial office, choosing to represent his constituents and fight for his causes in parliamentary committees. And he died doing the very thing we all go into politics for - serving his constituents. It is, therefore, particularly appalling that he should have been attacked while helping others. We must find ways of protecting politicians but without putting barriers between them and the people they represent and help - because losing that central aspect of our country's precious democratic system would be another tragedy."