Sir David Amess: Police at Welsh MP's surgery as security boosted

3 years ago 34

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Image caption, There was a police officer on duty at Chris Elmore MP's constituency meeting this morning

A Welsh MP said he attended his constituency surgery with "trepidation" in the aftermath of the death of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

Police forces have been asked to review security for MPs after Sir David's death at a constituency surgery.

Chris Elmore, Labour MP for Ogmore, said there was a police presence at his own surgery "for the first time in several years".

He also paid tribute to Sir David, 69, as a "kind and courteous" man.

A 25-year-old British man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, and police said they were not seeking anyone else over the death.

Mr Elmore said security at his constituency office in Pencoed, Bridgend, and home had been stepped up on advice to all MPs following the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.

CCTV cameras have been installed at his office and extra locks have also been fitted.

Image caption, Welsh MPs including Liz Saville Roberts, Hywel Williams and Chris Elmore say security issues will need to be addressed further

Panic alarms have also been provided for himself, his family and staff, he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast programme.

"There will be a police presence at my surgery today for the first time in several years, certainly since the Brexit debate," he said earlier on Saturday.

"It does play on your mind...but I am elected to serve my constituents. I'm elected to be accessible to my constituents.

"There will be some trepidation walking to that surgery.

"I don't think anything will happen, but it will rest heavy on my mind until I've finished the surgery."

Image caption, Sir David was stabbed at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex on Friday

Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, described Sir David's death as a tragedy for several reasons, including "the way that we try within politics to maintain a civil society".

"If you speak to virtually any politician you'll find that they have had serious threats of violence," she said.

"We really have to think, is that how we want to operate as a society?".

'Rethink'

Hywel Williams, Plaid Cymru for Arfon, said North Wales Police had previously completed "thorough reviews" on his security.

"We must think carefully about holding surgeries out in village halls' etcetera," he told BBC Radio Cymru's breakfast programme.

"This has not started back for me since Covid and we may need to rethink things."

A National Police Chiefs' Council spokesman said: "In light of yesterday's tragic attack, every MP will be contacted individually by Op Bridger representatives in their local force to discuss their security arrangements, and to ensure they are aware of all advice pertaining to their personal safety and security.

"They will also speak to MPs about security arrangements for any events they are planning to attend in the coming days, so the appropriate advice can be provided.

"We encourage MPs to immediately report any security concerns to their local police force in order to keep themselves, their staff and members of the public attending surgeries safe."