Police operation to protect North Yorkshire's MPs following murder of Sir David Amess

A new police operation has been launched to protect North Yorkshire's MPs following the murder of Sir David Amess.

The Conservative MP for Southend West was stabbed to death at a constituency surgery on Friday afternoon (15 October). A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene.

The incident has been formally declared as terrorism by Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon.

In light of the attack, North Yorkshire Police has promised to contact every MP individually to discuss their security arrangements as part of Operation Bridger, and to ensure they are aware of all advice pertaining to their personal safety and security.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Members of Parliament from North Yorkshire and the City of York have been contacted as part of Operation Bridger which provides tactical options for protective physical security in their constituencies. This is managed by the Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team that was formed in 2016 following the murder of Jo Cox, the MP for Batley and Spen.

“In order to help protect themselves, their family and staff members, and their constituents while attending surgeries, we are advising our MPs to report any security concerns without delay. North Yorkshire Police will continue to review the security advice on a regular basis, based on an assessment of changing threats and risk.”

Tributes to the late MP came from all parts of the political spectrum on Friday.

Scarborough and Whitby's MP, Robert Goodwill, has paid tribute. While working in his constituency, he told our reporter: "I just can't express how sad and upset everybody is. I know David was a man of great religious faith, and a man who really believed in serving his constituents, so the world is much the poorer for the loss of David and I'm absolutely devastated, and sorry to hear the terrible news."

Julian Smith, Member of Parliament for Skipton & Ripon, said: "As a youngster I remember David Amess for his oratory, looks & dynamic hair. When I became Chief Whip I saw his humanity- the deep level of commitment he had to his Colleagues when they were ill or in distress was formidable. For him to be killed in this way is devastating."

Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative Member of Parliament for Thirsk and Malton, said: "Terrible to hear of the tragic, sad loss of Sir David Amess one of the great veterans and great people of politics. Thoroughly decent man in every way, really will be missed in Parliament, by the people of Southend, many friends and, of course, the family he was so proud of."

Julian Sturdy, Conservative Member of Parliament for York Outer, said he was "devastated" at the news.

He said: "Devastated by the brutal murder of Sir David Amess, a man who had selflessly dedicated his life to public service.

"A true gentleman respected across the House by all colleagues. A passionate advocate for his constituents and the issues they cared about. He'll be greatly missed."

Rachael Maskell, Labour & Co-operative MP for York Central, said she was "sending love and prayers" to his family.

She said: "I am sending love and heartfelt prayers to the family of David Amess. He was always the kindest and most courteous of colleagues, who loved his family and constituency so much, and was always proud to speak of both. Such tragedy."

Andrew Jones, Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough, told our reporter he's been subject to abuse in the past.

He said: "I've had threats and death threats. Security is a part of the job and we just need to think about how we can improve the situation to make sure we can continue to do the core work an MP does."