Sir David Amess was a gentleman in every sense of the word. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, my Conservative colleagues and the people of Southend.

David was one of the first MPs to get behind our campaign for Helen’s Law and did a great deal to help me, Marie McCourt and the families get support from across the House of Commons.

He had a deep Catholic faith and led several cross-party Parliamentary delegations to the Vatican. It always amused him greatly that I had never been to Rome. It is heartbreaking that when we last spoke just last Tuesday, we talked about planning a visit next year.

David was a hardworking, inclusive, respectful and fun colleague, and above all a decent man who it was a pleasure to have known.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace. Amen.