BORIS Johnson is set to lead tributes to the Sir David Amess today after his family urged people to “set aside hatred” in his memory.

The Prime Minister will lead tributes in the House of Commons where politicians will share their memories of the Conservative MP for Southend West after a morning of prayers and a minute’s silence at 2.30pm.

The Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle will make a statement before Boris Johnson moves a motion for an adjournment, which will enable parliamentarians to open the tributes session, lasting until 5.30pm.

It comes after a weekend of developments following the fatal stabbing of David Amess on Friday afternoon.

Sir David Amess’ family pay tribute

On Sunday evening, the family described how their “hearts are shattered” after he was attacked while meeting constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex on Friday.

In a statement published through the Metropolitan Police, his wife, four daughters and son said: “Strong and courageous is an appropriate way to describe David. He was a patriot and a man of peace.

“So, we ask people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all. This is the only way forward. Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness.

“Whatever one’s race, religious or political beliefs, be tolerant and try to understand.

“As a family, we are trying to understand why this awful thing has occurred. Nobody should die in that way. Nobody.”

The Northern Echo: On Sunday evening, the family described how their “hearts are shattered”. (PA)On Sunday evening, the family described how their “hearts are shattered”. (PA)

Suspect in custody

A 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of Sir David’s murder and remains in police custody.

He has been detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Police on Saturday were granted a warrant of further detention, which allows detectives to hold the man until October 22. He is in custody at a London police station.

The Northern Echo: Sir David Amess MP stabbing. (PA)Sir David Amess MP stabbing. (PA)

Additional police security for MP surgeries being considered

The Home secretary said police could be called in to guard MPs’ surgeries to keep them safe following the murder of Sir David Amess.

Priti Patel said protection for MPs while they are holding talks with constituents was one of the options being considered under a “whole spectrum” of measures to address safety concerns after the Southend West MP’s killing on Friday.

Ms Patel said discussions were under way with MPs about extra measures to keep them safe from similar attacks, with each representative contacted by their local police force since the attack in Essex.

She told Sky News’ Trevor Phillips On Sunday programme the options being considered included that “when you hold your surgeries, could you have officers or some kind of protection while you’re holding your surgery?”

MPs could also be asked to share their whereabouts at all times with police, she said.

Asked if she would consider airport-style security, Ms Patel said: “That would be with the police and the House authorities. There are lots of things under consideration already.”

Boris Johnson and other politicians attend scene of fatal stabbing

Boris Johnson laid flowers at the scene of the fatal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess.

He was accompanied by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Home Secretary Priti Patel, laid a wreath at the front of Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, where Sir David was killed on Friday.

It came after Scotland Yard said the country’s most senior counter-terror officer, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon, has formally declared the incident as terrorism and said early investigations have revealed “a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism”.

The Northern Echo: Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer lay flowers at scene. (PA)Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer lay flowers at scene. (PA)

Priti Patel says MPs will not be ‘cowed’ by killing of Sir David Amess

Home Secretary Priti Patel said politicians will not be “cowed” following the fatal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess, which police believe may be linked to Islamist extremism.

Patel visited the scene at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea on Saturday morning alongside Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to pay their respects to Sir David, less than 24 hours after he was killed at a constituency surgery.

Ms Patel said security measures were being put in place to protect MPs but vowed they will carry on serving the country unimpeded in the face of the attack, which the Metropolitan Police have declared was a terrorist incident.

Speaking at Southend Police Station, the Home Secretary said: “We will carry on, we live in an open society, a democracy. We cannot be cowed by any individual or any motivation… to stop us from functioning, to serve our elected democracy.”

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