I weld yr e-gylchlythyr hwn yn Gymraeg cliciwch yma
I am shocked and saddened by the news that Sir David Amess MP was murdered on Friday during one of his constituency surgeries.
Sir David was regarded by us, his colleagues, as one of the kindest men in British politics. Cross party, he was regarded with the highest esteem for his almost 40 years of committee work, dedication to constituents and experience.
His murder is a huge loss to us, the House, his constituents and the country - but most of all for his wife and five children. My thoughts and prayers are with them - and his staff team who I know will be grieving not just for a boss but also for a friend. No doubt there will be more to say in the coming days about Sir David and his legacy - and perhaps, city status for Southend.
But I will say, we have a proud tradition in this country that we are accessible to you - the people we represent. This was a despicable and cowardly act - but it will not diminish our democracy or the things we value and hold important.
Last week Her Majesty the Queen visited Wales to officially open the Senedd’s sixth term. During the ceremony the Queen said “we all owe a debt of gratitude to those who have risen so magnificently to the challenges of the last 18 months, from key workers to volunteers who have done so much to serve their communities. They are shining examples of the spirit for which the Welsh people are so renowned, a spirit which I have personally encountered so many times. It is a source of pleasure that both the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, together with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have had homes in Wales, and experienced its very special sense of community.”
These words reflect many of our shared experiences of the past 18 months. I am truly grateful for the dedication, commitment and compassion displayed by our key workers and I have been inspired by the way that people, community groups and businesses have united to shield those most vulnerable to Covid-19. I share the sentiments of Her Majesty the Queen and I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to everybody who has played a role in rising to the challenges that we have faced. Diolch yn fawr.
From speaking in Parliament in support of Aberconwy’s businesses, to training with the Royal Marine’s at their Commando Training Centre in Devon, to attending the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester - I have continued to be hugely busy since my last e-newsletter and there is much to report.
