Sir David Amess' killing shows that the security of MPs needs to be taken more serious
Callum Dann
MPs are the very footing from which our democracy works. MPs are the reason change comes by the ballot box and not by means of force or violence. MPs are the embodiment of good that stood up to a tyrannical King, for the rights of democracy and the common folk. Throughout history, you do not have to look far to find inspiring MPs who were leading the way on progressive politics and building a better, more perfect democracy.
…without them, the whole democratic world would look rather sour.
That is not to say that MPs go without controversy – they are, at the end of the day, politicians.
However, without them, the whole democratic world would look rather sour.
The horrific murder of Sir David Amess is not just a devastating loss of life, it is also a direct attack on the democratic institutions that all in the democratic sphere hold dear. How, just five years after the heart-rending loss of Jo Cox, could Britain see the killing of another MP? It is nothing short of a disgrace that this event has been allowed to happen again.
What is to be done? Well, that is a very hard question and one that people in high places get paid a lot of money to consider. But, what is for sure is that something must be done. Something ought to change to protect the lives of those who are preserving and furthering our egalitarian values. It is simply not right that someone can follow their passion into politics, to make a difference, to then be fearful of holding constituent surgeries or going about their daily business.
Security of our democracy-keepers is absolutely key. Otherwise, we are simply twiddling our thumbs awaiting the next ghastly terrorist incident.
No one would suggest that the taxpayer fork out millions of pounds in personal protection details - that would be to overstep the mark. However, you cannot say that local police forces could not spare a single officer to check-in on MP surgeries. Local Police Chiefs should be making a stand and accepting responsibility for their lack of interest in protection of politicians. It is not a matter of politics; security is a concern for all, whatever their status.
…accessibility should not come at the cost of a life.
The government, too, must reflect on their role. Undoubtedly, our MPs should be as accessible as possible. But, accessibility should not come at the cost of a life. The government need to conduct a thorough, full and complete review of security arrangements around MPs. Appointment-only surgeries, for instance, need to be a serious consideration. Risk assessments ought to be put in place and where risk can be avoided, all measures should be put in place to do that.
On a personal level, I would like to pay homage to Sir David. A few days after his disturbing passing, I was having coffee with a friend of a total different political persuasion to Sir David. My friend said to me, ‘it is unlike MPs to be spoken about in such a loving and affectionate way.’ I think the spirit of his legacy, amongst all divides of politics, highlights his pure character. He was like the man next door, a friendly neighbor, a vanguard of genuine goodness. He will be missed.
Looking to the future, we can but hope that Sir David’s murder will be the catalyst for change. We shall not speak of the horrendous terrorist scum, for his name does not deserve even a fraction of page space. The memory of Sir David will be everlasting and he shall live on. Let us use this opportunity to finally take security of our democracy wardens seriously.
Callum Dann is a third year History and Politics student at Queen’s University Belfast and secretary of the Conservative and Unionist society