Minutes:
Councillor Haysey proposed the following motion on notice and thanked her opposition colleagues for supporting the motion.
“This Council mourns the loss of Sir David Amess MP, who was killed performing his constituency duties on 15 October 2021.
This Council recalls the tragic loss of Jo Cox MP in 2016 and the attack on Stephen Timms MP in 2010. The death of Sir David represents the third such attack on a British parliamentarian in a little over a decade.
This Council restates the power of democratic politics to make a positive difference to people’s lives and recognises that politicians of all parties are overwhelmingly dedicated, decent people discharging their democratic duties as best they can.
This Council asks that the Group Leaders collectively convey our condolences on the loss of Sir David to the Speaker of the House of Commons and write to the Leaders of all political parties in Westminster to support measures that would see politicians at all tiers of government kept safe and secure so that they continue working hard on behalf of their constituents”
Councillor Redfern seconded the motion.
Councillor Snowdon said that the events surrounding Sir David Amess’ MP murder were shocking. He said that David was serving his constituents and helping those most in need. He said that David was not the first MP to be murdered or attacked; Jo Cox MP was murdered in 2016 and Steven Timms MP was attacked in 2010. He said that there was no justification for the attacks and violence against politicians affects all parties and steps needed to be taken to make sure all elected officials were protected. Councillor Snowdon said he was lucky to have known David and he had first met him in the Isle of Dogs and had taught him to build relationships with communities. He paid tribute to him as an unstoppable champion for Southend.
Councillor E Buckmaster said he knew Sir David Amess MP as a child and attended the same schools and he stood out at primary school. He said that much could be said about how he set an example for those following him. He said that the attack could not undermine the democratic principles of the UK. He sent his condolences to David’s family.
Councillor Goldspink said she supported the motion. She said it was a terrible killing and shocked and horrified the country. She said her thoughts were with his family and friends and hoped the dreadful event would not deter public servants from serving their community.
Councillor Frecknall echoed the thoughts of his colleagues and he said that although he did not know Sir David Amess, he worked in the area he grew up in. He said that he had worked with a group of nine year olds in the week and they were discussing the incident and said it had cut across humanity and generations. He said that David was not being forgotten and hoped that there would be lessons learnt from it.
Councillor Curtis recalled his experience at an event in June 2016 when it was announced that Jo Cox had been killed. He said the shock at the time was enormous and unfortunately it had happened again. Councillor Curtis said he did not know David but had the pleasure of meeting him and said that all the tributes that had been paid to him were true. He did not fit the typical MP stereotype and said his character was one everyone could benefit from. He said that the abuse of and lack of respect for politicians has once again come to the forefront and answers needed to be found to fix radicalisation. He said he welcomed the motion.
Councillors Huggins added to the sentiments expressed by his colleagues and he mentioned PC Keith Palmer who had died protecting Parliament in 2017. He said that his memory should be remembered and the work of the police in protecting the public.
Councillor Devonshire referred to an interview with Steven Timms where he was asked why he had continued to work as an MP after being attacked at one of his surgeries. He said it was because of the overwhelming support from the public and Councillor Devonshire said that this was a positive message to remember.
Councillor Redfern said she echoed the sentiments of her colleagues and said no one should be subjected to such violence.
The motion having been proposed by Councillor Haysey and seconded by Councillor Redfern was put to the meeting and was declared CARRIED.
RESOLVED - This Council mourns the loss of Sir David Amess MP, who was killed performing his constituency duties on 15 October 2021.
This Council recalls the tragic loss of Jo Cox MP in 2016 and the attack on Stephen Timms MP in 2010. The death of Sir David represents the third such attack on a British parliamentarian in a little over a decade.
This Council restates the power of democratic politics to make a positive difference to people’s lives and recognises that politicians of all parties are overwhelmingly dedicated, decent people discharging their democratic duties as best they can.
This Council asks that the Group Leaders collectively convey our condolences on the loss of Sir David to the Speaker of the House of Commons and write to the Leaders of all political parties in Westminster to support measures that would see politicians at alltiers of government kept safe and secure so that they continue working hard on behalf of their constituents.