Tributes to Sir David Amess MP have poured in from across the political spectrum after his tragic killing last week.
Sir David was known as a relentless champion for marriage, the family and the sanctity of life, since first entering the House of Commons as MP for Basildon in 1983.
He was stabbed to death on Friday as he met constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. He was 69, and leaves a widow and five children.
Tributes
Tributes were led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said that Sir David was “one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics. And he also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable”.
All our hearts are full of shock and sadness at the death of Sir David Amess MP.
He was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics. pic.twitter.com/SIx6SZ1P3w
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 15, 2021
He was joined by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who highlighted how Sir David’s actions were “informed” by his Roman Catholic faith.
Sir David Amess. pic.twitter.com/N9bPWGWw0D
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 15, 2021
Sir David was a patron of pro-life charity Right to Life UK.
Its spokeswoman, Catherine Robinson, said: “Sir David was a pro-life champion. Since he was elected in 1983, he always, where possible, used his position as an MP to stand up for the vulnerable, including championing initiatives to introduce more protections for unborn babies and more support for women facing crisis pregnancies”.
‘Deeply saddened’
On Friday evening, The Christian Institute issued a statement saying it was “deeply saddened by the tragic death of Sir David Amess”.
“Sir David was a strong pro-life and pro-family MP, whose actions were consistently in keeping with his desire to do what was best for society. His gentle character meant that he was liked and respected across Parliament and beyond.
“We are praying for his family as they grieve.”