The death of Sir David Amess holds lessons for British politics
So, too, does his life
MPS GATHERED in the Palace of Westminster on October 18th, first in the House of Commons and then in St Margaret’s Church, to celebrate the life of one of their own. They told stories about the man with the widest grin in Westminster: how this lifelong Roman Catholic had once got the pope to bless a boiled sweet by mistake and how this inveterate campaigner for city status for Southend deluged the authorities with proof of the place’s worthiness, such as the fact that it held the world record for the number of triangles played simultaneously. They also hinted at serious questions about what his murder meant for British democracy. How could potential murderers be spotted before they struck? What should be done about internet trolls who spew hatred? And would MPs have to retreat behind armed guards or fortified screens when meeting their constituents?
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “A great parliamentarian”
Britain October 23rd 2021
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- The death of Sir David Amess holds lessons for British politics
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