Dorset MP calls for 'pause' in face-to-face meetings
Tobias Ellwood MP, who represents Bournemouth East, has called for a "pause" in face-to-face constituent meetings
Last updated 18th Oct 2021
It follows the fatal stabbing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess which has been declared as a terrorist incident by police.
Sir David, who represented Southend West in Essex, was stabbed on Friday afternoon during a surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.
Police officers and paramedics tried to save him but he died at the scene.
The Metropolitan Police said that the early investigation had revealed "a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism".
Tobias Ellwood tweeted it's "understandable (there's) huge anxiety amongst MPs now. Until the Home Secretary’s review of MP security is complete I would recommend a temporary PAUSE in face to face meetings."
In a radio interview Mr Ellwood added, “You can actually achieve an awful lot over the telephone, you can get things moving far faster than having to wait for the surgery date as well.”
Fellow Bournemouth MP, Conor Burns, has also tweeted saying "the greatest tribute to our fallen colleague is to continue to do our jobs".