This afternoon, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, honoured the memory of Sir David Amess with the unveiling of his shield in the Commons Chamber.
The death of Sir David Amess was of great heartbreak.
I join colleagues in reflecting on our cherished memories of Sir David Amess MP and the valuable work he undertook as MP for Southend-on-Sea.
Already in 2021, Southend was granted city status as a memorial to Sir David Amess, a long-time supporter of city status for the borough. I know first-hand of his passion and dedication to the town, now city, that he was proud to represent.
On the Labour side of the Commons Chamber is a memorial to Jo Cox, fatally attacked during the referendum.
There are similar memorials to Conservative MPs killed by the IRA during The Troubles.
I have known each of them personally. Each is of immeasurable grief.
Airey Neave, Rev. Robert Bradford, Sir Anthony Berry and Ian Gow. Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. We remember their service, their dedication and what they brought to our nation.
We remember those who have given so much. We focus on what we can do more. We go on doing our duty.
Echoing the words of the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill’s first speech to the House of Commons, 13 May 1940:
“Let us go forward together.”
