Tributes to Sir David Amess MP

Sir David Ames, MP

Tributes are pouring in to Sir David Ames, MP for Southend West, who has died after being attacked at his constituency surgery in Leigh on Sea today.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster

"The tragic death of David Amess creates a painful loss in so many lives. I pray for him that he be welcomed into the merciful presence of Our Heavenly Father. I pray for his family and friends, those reeling from shock at this time. I pray for his constituents all those who worked with him in his political career.

"This death throws a sharp light onto the fact that our Members of Parliament are servants of the people, available to people in their need, especially in their constituencies. This horrific attack, as David was undertaking his constituency surgery, is an attack on our democratic process and traditions.

"David carried out his vocation as a Catholic in public life with generosity and integrity. He served in Parliament for four decades and was respected by all political parties across the House. His untimely death is a great loss.

"David Amess, as a Catholic, understood the role and importance of the Holy See. It was he who, in 2006, established the All-party Parliamentary Group for relations with Holy See Group, a Group including people from different faiths and beliefs. Over the years he led several parliamentary visits to Rome. He was instrumental in the historic visit of Pope Benedict to Parliament in 2010 and in the return visit by HMG representatives to Rome in the following year. He fostered this mutually respectful relationship through meetings with Cardinal Parolin, the Pope's Secretary of State, and with other Catholic leaders. This contribution is both esteemed and will be sorely missed.

"I pray for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace."

+Vincent Nichols

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby

"I am truly devastated to hear of the death of Sir David Amess today.

"The death of a father, husband and friend is agonisingly painful for those who loved him. The murder of an MP, in the course of caring for their constituents, is a deep blow to this country, its citizens and everyone who desires a peaceful and flourishing democracy.

"Sir David Amess dedicated his life to championing causes he believed in, serving constituents and his country for almost forty years as a Member of Parliament.

"He was a devout Roman Catholic whose deep faith fuelled his sense of justice. We are richer for his life and his example, and we are all the poorer for his untimely death. We hold his family and loved ones in our prayers, that they might feel the comfort and peace of the Christ who suffers with us.

"The only antidote to violence and hatred is love and unity. In this horrific and tragic moment we must come together, across political difference, and be the light that refuses to be cowed by darkness.

"May he rest in peace and rise in glory. May he dwell in the House of the Lord forever."

Canon Pat Browne, Roman Catholic Duty Priest in the Houses of Parliament

"Sir David Amess was a committed Catholic. He was passionate about nurturing and protecting life including his care for the unborn and his care for animals and their welfare and he lived his own life to the full with a wonderful sense of humour and fun.

"He was devoted to his family and his work as an MP. He was my friend.

I did his wedding 38 years ago and baptised all his five children. My heart goes out to Julia his wife and the children. May he rest in peace and rise in glory."

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York

"I had the great honour of calling David Amess a friend when I was Bishop of Chelmsford. He was the MP for the constituency where I grew up, and not only did he always faithfully serve those people and that place, but had a particular concern for the Christian community born of his own deeply held Christian faith as a member of the Roman Catholic community. It is shocking that someone so dedicated to his community and public service was the victim of such violence as he went about his elected duty. It is hard to make sense of the horror of what has happened this afternoon but he and his family and those he loves are in my prayers."

Bishop of Chelmsford, Dr Guli Francis Dehqani

"This is devastating news. Sir David was a loyal servant to the people of Southend for many years.

"The tributes we have already seen are testament to the high esteem in which he was held by many of his constituents.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his staff."

Bishop of Bradwell, Dr John Perumbalath

"This is deeply shocking and sad news.

"Sir David was a great friend of the church and it was a privilege to work alongside him in service to the people of Southend whom he cared about deeply. My prayers are with Sir David's family and his staff."

Lord Alton

It was with profound sorrow that I heard today of the murder of Sir David Amess MP, a longstanding friend and parliamentary colleague.

Just a few weeks ago we shared a platform at the launch of his book Ayes & Ears documenting his political career over nearly four decades and how Parliament and politics have changed. Typically of David, the proceeds of the book were dedicated to three charities: Endometriosis UK, Prost8 and the Leigh-based Music Man Project.

Notwithstanding all the good in the world we still have the capacity to do truly evil things.

This horrific attack has not only robbed David of his life but its reverberations will have devastating consequences for his family and loved ones. My thoughts are with Julia and their children. May he now rest in peace.