Advertisement

Updated October 16th, 2021 at 07:17 IST

United Nations mourns UK politician David Amess' murder, expresses condolences for kin

World leaders expressed shock and sadness after a 25-year-old assailant brutally stabbed 69-year-old UK Conservative lawmaker David Amess to death on Friday.

Reported by: Zaini Majeed
United Nations
Image: AP | Image:self
Advertisement

The United Nations (UN) expressed sadness at the tragic demise of the UK Conservative  MP Sir David Amess who was stabbed to death on Friday during a meeting with constituents at a church in England. Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, said at a press conference on October 15, “We obviously are extremely saddened by this murder. We express our condolences to his family and the people and the government of the UK.”

The UN spokesperson added, “What is clear for us is that lawmakers need to be able to go about their work free from fear of attacks or murder or anything else, and that is a central piece of democracy.” 

UK politicians, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and lawmakers worldwide were rendered shocked on Friday after a 25-year-old assailant brutally stabbed the 69-year-old Conservative lawmaker of the UK with a knife. The British law enforcement, that apprehended the assaulter on the spot, did not immediately divulge the motive of the attack and neither identified the suspect. The man was held on suspicion of murder, reported Associated Press on Friday. The incident occurred in the town of Leigh-on-Sea during the afternoon hours. "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public," the Essex police said in a statement. Here's how world leaders reacted to Sir David Amess's demise.

Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted that the British MP Amess was a "decent man and respected Parliamentarian, killed in his own community while carrying out his public duties. A tragic day for our democracy." 

Meanwhile, the ex-Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Twitter that he was "shocked and horrified” at the incident. 

UK’s conservative lawmaker Tracey Crouch tweeted: "Heartbroken. I could write reams on how Sir David was one of the kindest, most compassionate, well liked colleagues in Parliament. But I can't. I feel sick. I am lost."

Paramedics fail to save UK MP

According to Sky, MP Amess was attacked during a regular meeting with constituents at a Methodist church located at the seaside city about 40 miles (62 kilometres) east of London. While the paramedics rushed to the scene, the MP for Southend West could not be saved and succumbed to his wounds. Amess has been the UK’s member of Parliament since 1983 and was one of the longest-serving politicians in the British House of Commons.

"This is an incident that will send shockwaves across the parliamentary community and the whole country," House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said, as per the Associated Press.

"In the coming days we will need to discuss and examine MPs' security and any measures to be taken, but for now, our thoughts and prayers are with David's family, friends and colleagues,” she added. 

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of the Scottish National Party tweeted: "Elected representatives from across the political spectrum will be united in sadness and shock today. In a democracy, politicians must be accessible and open to scrutiny, but no one deserves to have their life taken while working for and representing their constituents."

 (Image: AP)

Advertisement

Published October 16th, 2021 at 07:17 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo