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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday vowed that democracy would conquer “acts of evil”, as emotional MPs lauded their colleague David Amess after he was stabbed to death while meeting constituents.
Police are investigating whether a suspect arrested at the scene of Friday’s attack in a church hall was motivated by Islamist extremism, stoking fears for the safety of elected representatives.
Members of the House of Commons, most dressed in black, observed a minute’s silence at the start of a special debate. Many then called for an end to the bitterly divisive rhetoric that has swelled since Britain’s 2016 Brexit referendum.
They recalled the Conservative Amess’ bipartisan cooperation, his ebullient sense of humour, and his deep Catholic faith: one remembered him inadvertently getting a packet of cough sweets blessed by the pope on a visit to the Vatican.
“We will cherish his memory. We will celebrate his legacy,” Johnson told the debate, which ended with MPs filing in cross-party procession to a religious remembrance service.
“And we will never allow those who commit acts of evil to triumph over the democracy and the parliament that to Sir David Amess, meant so much,” he added.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has ordered a review of security measures for parliamentarians and vowed “to close any gaps” in security provision.
‘Breaks my heart’
Amess was one of Britain’s longest-serving and most respected MPs. He campaigned on a range of causes, including obtaining city status for the seaside town of Southend, east of…
Source : france24
