Sir David Amess: Keir Starmer says killed MP was 'dedicated public servant'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Sir David Amess, saying that on behalf of his party he wants to lean across and acknowledge the pain that is felt on the opposite benches, as he remembers just how “acutely” Jo Cox’s loss was felt on his benches.

He told the House: “Each tribute paints its own picture of a committed public servant of kindness, and a man whose decency touched everybody that he met.

“Taken together these tributes are a powerful testimony to the respect, the affection and yes, the love that David was held in across politics, and across different communities. Together they speak volumes about the man that he was, and the loss that we grieve.

“Sir David was a dedicated parliamentarian and his loss is felt profoundly across this House. We are united in our grief, at this terrible time. We are thinking of David and his family. We are thinking once again, of our dear friend Jo Cox, who was killed just five short years ago.”

He added: “And I know that honourable Members and their staff would have spent the weekend worried about their own safety. The emotion is the same across the House. But I remember just how acutely Jo’s loss was felt on these benches.

“So today, on behalf of the entire Labour Party, I want to lean across to reach across and to acknowledge the pain that’s felt on the opposite benches, and I do. Of course our differences matter, after all that’s what democracy is about, but today we’re reminded that what we have in common, matters far more.”