Local politicians in Bangor have reacted to the murder of Sir David Amess, the Member of Parliament for Southend West who was stabbed to death last week during a constituency surgery.
Siân Gwenllian MS and Hywel Williams MPrepresent the Arfon constituency in the Senedd and Westminster respectively, and they have reacted to Friday’s news that the MP for the Essex seat of Southend West died following his injuries.
Siân Gwenllian said: “I was horrified to hear of David Amess’ death following an attack in his constituency.
“David was doing his job. Accountability from our politicians is important. Representation is important. And the visibility of elected representatives in their communities is important.
“Any attack on those principles is an attack on democracy.
“It’s an outrage that elected representative can’t undertake the important work of representing the people of their constituents without fear of being harmed.
“Disagree with us. Argue with us. Engage with us, and campaign to unseat us. But remember, at the end of the day, that politicians are humans. Real people with families.
“Families such as David’s. This was an abhorrent act of violence, and my thoughts are with David Amess’ family, staff, and those known to him at this dreadful time.”
Hywel Williams MP, who sat in the Westminster Parliament alongside David Amess, has reacted to his murder: “I was saddened by this horrific act of violence against a dedicated Member of Parliament.
“We aren’t in our jobs to represent our parties. We’re there to represent the people of our constituencies, and an integral part of that work is reaching out, being approachable and transparent.
“And we should feel safe doing that, as well as our staff members.
“But as well as being a massive blow to democracy, David Amess’ death will most of all be an irreplaceable loss to his family, friends, and colleagues.
“To them, I send my sincere condolences.”
