00:00I must start by saying I'm truly horrified by the murder of Anne Widdicombe.
00:06She was a distinguished politician with deep convictions,
00:10whose vivid and fearless character captured the public imagination.
00:15My heartfelt condolences go out to all of her friends and all of her loved ones.
00:21Mr Speaker, it is chilling that during my time in this Parliament, 11 years,
00:27three serving, or former MPs, have been murdered.
00:32I look across at the shield for our dear friend Joe Cox,
00:36and the shield first for David Amos, that sits behind me.
00:42Mr Speaker, I know this is a House matter, so this is my personal view,
00:47but I do believe it would be fitting for the House to consider a similar tribute to Anne.
00:54We thank the police for their work, and the integrity of their investigation must be protected.
01:00Mr Speaker, you have been instrumental in defending the safety of every member of this House,
01:06and I believe we must do more to defend our democracy.
01:10I've tasked officials across government to identify the best mechanisms for taking this work forward,
01:15so it can move as quickly as possible.
01:17And I hope the whole House can unite behind that in the months ahead.
01:22Amen.
01:22Amen.
01:22Amen.
01:22Amen.
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