Sir David Amess: Welsh politicians in security talks after MP death

Police officers, pictured here in April, are a familiar sight around the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay

Welsh politicians have voiced concern about security following the killing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

The Senedd Commission has called a meeting to allow Members of the Senedd to discuss security concerns at the Welsh Parliament next week.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds cancelled her weekend surgery.

Craig Williams, Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, tweeted that he "thought of Sir David Amess" throughout his surgery on Saturday morning.

Mr Williams added "a special shout out" to Dyfed-Powys Police "for their presence and reassurance" and posted a picture of officers at his surgery.

Chris Elmore, Labour MP for Ogmore, paid tribute to Sir David, 69, as a "kind and courteous" man.

Police have also been asked to review security for MPs after the killing of Sir David at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex on Friday.

It is being treated as a terrorist incident by the Metropolitan Police.

A man detained at the scene of the stabbing is 25-year-old Ali Harbi Ali, Whitehall officials have confirmed to the BBC.

Police said he was being held at a London police station under the Terrorism Act 2000 and officers have until 22 October to question him.

'Deeply shocked and saddened'

In a statement, the Senedd Commission, the corporate body for the Welsh Parliament, said it was "deeply shocked and saddened" by Sir David's death.

"Members have been informed of a hybrid drop-in session with security staff early next week to discuss and advise on any concerns," it said.

Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, paid tribute to Sir David and added that many politicians had faced "serious threats of violence" during their work.

Mr Elmore said police attended his constituency meeting to check on his safety on Saturday morning.

Security at his constituency office in Pencoed, Bridgend, and home had been stepped up, he said, on advice to all MPs following the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.

CCTV cameras have been installed at his office and extra locks have also been fitted.

Sir David was stabbed at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex on Friday

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Panic alarms have also been provided for himself, his family and staff, he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast ahead of a meeting with about 20 constituents.

He said that in advance of the session, he asked himself "what if the next one is me and what if it's another colleague or a friend?".

Mr Elmore described Sir David's death as an "attack on democracy" and said he had spoken with other politicians overnight about the incident.

"Do we give in and just stop this engagement, or do we carry on trying to do the jobs that we were democratically elected to do?" he said.

'Thorough reviews'

Ms Saville Roberts described Sir David's death as a tragedy for several reasons, including "the way that we try within politics to maintain a civil society".

"If you speak to virtually any politician you'll find that they have had serious threats of violence," she said.

"We really have to think, is that how we want to operate as a society?"

Welsh MPs including Liz Saville Roberts, Hywel Williams and Chris Elmore say security issues will need to be addressed further

Hywel Williams, Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon, said North Wales Police had previously completed "thorough reviews" on his security.

"We must think carefully about holding surgeries out in village halls etc," he told BBC Radio Cymru's breakfast programme Dros Frecwast.

"This has not started back for me since Covid and we may need to rethink things."

Operation Bridger was set up after the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox five years ago, designed to give MPs access to extra security for their homes and offices.

A National Police Chiefs' Council spokesman said: "In light of yesterday's tragic attack, every MP will be contacted individually by Op Bridger representatives in their local force to discuss their security arrangements, and to ensure they are aware of all advice pertaining to their personal safety and security.

"They will also speak to MPs about security arrangements for any events they are planning to attend in the coming days, so the appropriate advice can be provided.

"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."

Lee Doddridge, director of Covenant, a security risk management consultancy, who has worked with MPs, told BBC Radio Wales it was difficult to "find a balance" between safety and allowing access to politicians face-to-face.

"There are options but trying to find the right one is the key thing," he said.