Southport MP Damien Moore has vowed he will continue holding his regular MP’s surgeries, despite the horrific murder of colleague Sir David Amess last Friday (15th October).
Conservative MP Sir David Amess was stabbed ‘multiple times’ by a killer who is said to have sprinted into a church and knifed him to death during his weekly constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex..
The man accused of his murder, Ali Harbi Ali, 25, is due to appear at the Old Bailey today.
Southport MP Damien Moore said: “Despite the tragic events of the past week, I remain committed to holding my weekly drop-in surgery at The Atkinson, on Lord Street in Southport.
“My surgeries are held at The Atkinson between 11am and 2pm every Friday – no appointment is necessary.
“If there is any local issue or concern you have, please stop by.”
Mr Moore paid tribute to his friend and colleague Sir David Amess, after his fellow MP was tragically stabbed to death seven days ago.
The attack further raises the question of the safety of MPs, after the brutal murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in Birstall, West Yorkshire, in June 2016.
MP Damien Moore said: “I’m devastated to hear of the death of my colleague and friend Sir David Amess.
“He was a kind and decent man, a hard-working local MP, and an example to many.
“Nothing was ever too much trouble for him, and he would find time for anyone.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and staff at this sad time.”
Local people in Southport have also been paying their condolences.
Speaking on Damien Moore’s Facebook page, Penny Nichols Pew said: “I’m so sad to hear this and send prayers to you, his family during this tragic time.”
Lyn Hilton said: “Such sad news. Thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
Nigel P Cooke said: “This is an appalling attack not just on a public representative but on democracy.
“In recent times we have seen increased abuse, both verbal and physical, of our MPs and too many people seem to feel that it’s somehow harmless, justified and acceptable. It is not and must stop immediately.
“R.I.P., Sir David.”
Sir David Amess, the Conservative MP for Southend West, was meeting local people at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, when he was attacked and killed at just after midday last Friday.
Paramedics worked to save the 69-year-old politician on the floor of a Essex church for more than an hour but he could not be saved.
Sir David is a married father-of-five, whose wife, Julia, works as his part-time caseworker.
People in Southport who wish to raise a local issue with MP Damien Moore, who cannot attend his surgery, can also contact him by other means.
He said: “If I can be of any assistance to you, please contact me at damien.moore.mp@parliament.uk or 01704 500 577. Alternatively, you can write to me at 4 Post Office Avenue, Southport, PR9 0US.
“Please note that I am only able to respond to constituents who live in Southport. When writing to me, please include your full name, address (including postcode) and contact details in your email or letter. I would also be grateful if you could include a brief description of the issue or concern you would like to discuss and a case reference number if one has been provided to you.
“Alternatively, I hold a telephone surgery each week for constituents who are not able to attend my surgery in-person and for more complex cases. To book an appointment, please complete this form: https://www.damienmooremp.com/contact.”
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