Several of Sheffield’s MP’s have paid tribute after the stabbing of Sir David Amess which has now been branded a ‘terrorist attack’.
Sir Amess, who was a member of the Conservative party, was murdered last Friday after being stabbed multiple times in his constituency, in Essex whilst attending a meeting with constituents in a Church.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Sheffield City Mayor, Dan Jarvis said: “An attack of this kind is an attack on the very foundations of our democracy. A truly dark day.”
Sir Amess’ murder comes five years after the stabbing of MP Jo Cox during an EU referendum campaign. Her killer was sentenced to life in prison.
Sir Amess, who was 69 and a father to five, was also one of Britain’s longest serving MP’s since 1983, having served under five Prime Minister’s, including Margaret Thatcher.
Sheffield MP Paul Blomfield said: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this awful time.”
Sir David Amess was also a pro-Brexit campaigner, an advocate for animal welfare and a practising Catholic, supporting socially conservative views.
Flowers were laid at the scene of the crime, with tributes describing Sir Amess as “such a gentleman”.
Sheffield South East MP, Clive Betts, said: “You can’t close down MPs and give them 100 percent protection.”
As a tribute to Sir Amess, Boris Johnson has announced that Southend will be granted city status, something Sir Amess heavily campaigned for.
