OXFORDSHIRE MPs say they will continue to meet their constituents in person following the killing of Southend West MP Sir David Amess.

Sir David was attacked at a church while meeting constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex on Friday.

Just five years ago, the Labour MP Jo Cox was killed after being stabbed and shot before a constituency surgery was due to take place.

Read again: Council leader 'shocked' by Sir David Amess death

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran said more needs to be done for the safety of MPs.

She said: “I am shocked and saddened by this awful tragedy. It’s heartbreaking that another MP has been killed just for doing their job.

“We clearly need to do more for the safety of MPs, our staff and all elected officials and public servants.

“My office and I are reviewing how we conduct face to face events at the moment, and taking advice from the police about how to improve safety and security.

“Once the Speaker and Home Secretary’s review of our security arrangements has concluded, I will read their advice carefully and take appropriate action.

“As an MP, meeting my constituents in person when I can is a vital part of my job, and I will continue to do that.”

Read again: Oxfordshire MPs react to 'shocking' killing of Sir David Amess

Witney MP Robert Courts said MPs must not ‘become sealed away from the people they represent’.

He said: “The killing of Sir David Amess was not just an attack on decency but an attack on our democracy.

“I support the House of Commons Speaker in reviewing MPs’ security but we must defend against any knee-jerk reactions.

“When terrorists attack our way of life, it is our duty to stand up for what we believe – and nothing is more precious than our free and open democracy.

“It is my firm view that accessibility is vital to being an effective constituency MP and face to face advice surgeries are central to this.

“MPs must not become sealed away from the people they represent, and I certainly won’t be.

“I will continue to hold surgeries across West Oxfordshire, as I do every week, offering help and advice to constituents.

“It’s right, it’s what I’m here for, and it’s what my friend David would have wanted.”

Banbury MP Victoria Prentis said she heard the news about Sir David while in the middle of her own surgery at the Sainsbury’s store in Bicester.

She said: “I can’t imagine doing my job without regular and fairly open access to my constituents. I’ll continue to think about how to manage this best, and take advice where appropriate.”

A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesman said every MP is to be contacted individually to discuss security arrangements.

The spokesman added: “We encourage MPs to immediately report any security concerns to their local police force in order to keep themselves, their staff and members of the public attending surgeries safe.”

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