A Cumbrian MP says she hopes that she will not have to change her behaviour as an MP following the fatal stabbing of one of her parliamentary colleagues.
Copeland MP Trudy Harrison said Sir David Amess, who was stabbed on Friday at a meeting with his Southend West constituents, “will be remembered for his brilliant campaigning to have city status for Southend-on-Sea and his many books, especially his most recent publication Ayes and Ears ‘a survivor’s guide to politics’”.
She posted the following on her Facebook page: “This is desperately sad, utterly tragic and yet another attack on our democracy. My thoughts are with David’s family, friends and all those in his beloved Southend West constituency, and of course my colleagues across Parliament.
“David will be dreadfully missed but will be remembered for his compassion, brilliantly effective campaigning and wonderful charisma – I will fondly remember helping David with his last PMQ, looking back at his kind smile, as he lobbied for change on the green benches.
“He wanted those responsible to apologise to the women affected by forced adoptions during the 50s, 60s and 70s. He really cared about people.”
Mrs Harrison is determined not to change following the attack.
“I very much hope not to have to change my behaviour as an MP; it’s vital that all community leaders can continue to meet in person, and be accessible to all the people they serve,” she said.
“My favourite part of this job is meeting you all, I’m proud to call Copeland home – and hope I always will. I would like to thank Cumbria Police for immediately reaching out yesterday, offering assistance and further protection to me, my office staff, and my husband and family to enable democracy to continue despite adversity, and of course for their service to everyone across Cumbria – today and every day.”
Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria the Copeland MP said she had recently installed CCTV “following an increase in nasty correspondence” and she criticised abuse received by an individual near the Houses of Parliament.
She said the actions and words of this man – who hurls abuse at her as she walks by – had forced her to change her route into Parliament.
“I shouldn’t have to change my behaviour,” she said.
“There is a particular aspect of my job that I am going to do something about, because I was starting to change my behaviour and change my routes, always walking with people if possible.
“This is because there is often protests in Parliament Square, absolutely fine, but there is a particular man who uses a massive megaphone to single me out as Boris’ secretary and my other colleagues. He will shout across Parliament Square his views. He shouts them loudly, in our faces, very close as well and while his accomplice films this for his own hits on social media.
“It is nothing short of harassment. I have found that intimidating to the point I chose different routes. I would go around the back of Downing Street when I needed to go in there or through Derby Gate, or I choose to walk with people.
“In this new role in the Department for Transport, one of my responsibilities is women’s safety on the transport network and for me that includes the pavement, so it did make me last night decide to do something about that because we shouldn’t have to change our behaviour.”
