Sir David Amess murder: Calls for MPs to only speak with constituents on Zoom as all politicians to be contacted by cops

A TOP MP has called for all meetings between politicians and constituents to take place over Zoom in the wake of Sir David Amess’ murder.

Tobias Ellwood said all in-person contact with voters should be temporarily suspended after horror exploded in an Essex church yesterday.

The SunA serving MP says all face-to-face meetings between politicians and voters should be suspended in the wake of Sir David Amess’ death[/caption]

pixel8000Backbencher Sir David was murdered in an Essex church yesterday[/caption]

But others say Sir David, a married father-of-five, “hated” speaking online – and always wanted “face-to-face meetings”.

Meanwhile, police have announced they’ll contact all MPs regarding their security arrangements following the tragedy.

Mr Ellwood, a former Conservative minister who serves Bournemouth East, said meetings should be paused pending the review.

The ex Green Jacket, who gave murdered police officer Keith Palmer CPR during the Westminster terror attack, said: “MP engagement with the public is a vital part of our work.

“But [it’s] understandable [there’s] huge anxiety amongst MPs now.

“Until the Home Secretary’s review of MP security is complete, I would recommend a temporary pause in face-to-face meetings.”

However, former Cabinet minister David Davis said such a move would be a “terrible reflection of what David stood for”.

He told Sky News: “I don’t think we should do that. I’m sorry, I disagree with Tobias on that.

“I don’t think David would (agree) either.

“Sure, we should be cautious, maybe we should do things to ensure the people who come to see us are bona fide, but I think actually pausing it would be a bad idea.

“It would be a terrible reflection of what David stood for – David himself was the ultimate constituency MP.

“You can see that in the response of people in his constituency.”

The tragedy comes as…

Boris Johnson leads tributes to Sir David – and said  ‘our hearts are filled with shock and sadness’Counter-terror cops quiz a 25-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murderThe suspect, a British national of Somali origin, allegedly knifed the MP 17 times – and sat calmly while he waited for police to arriveSir David was asked to stop meeting constituents alone after Jo Cox was murdered – and wrote that similar attacks “could happen to any of us”Mrs Cox’s sister says her terrified husband has asked her to step down from politics after the horrorPriti Patel launches review into MPs’ safety after killingThere were tears at a vigil lastnight as friends and constituents remember much-loved MP

Home Secretary Priti Patel said a balance could be found between the democratic process and the security of MPs.

She told reporters: “We cannot be cowed by any individual or any motivation… to stop us from functioning”.

Meanwhile, Ann Widdicombe said Sir David “hated Zoom”.

“He hated online,” she said.

“He wanted face to face meetings with his constituents and, even if their problem was the 30th similar case he’d heard that day, he’d attack it relentlessly.”

Cops confirmed that every UK MP will be contacted by their local force under Operation Bridger, which was established in 2016.

Politicians will be asked about their security arrangements.

‘HE HATED ZOOM’

Sir David was meeting with constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, when he was stabbed up to 17 times, according to reports.

A 25-year-old British national of Somali origin was arrested on suspicion of murder.

The suspect is being quizzed by counter terror cops today. He is feared to have been inspired by Islamic extremism.

It’s understood he lived in Sir David’s Southend West constituency after his family came to the UK from the war-torn East African country in the 1990s.

He reportedly booked a slot at the surgery to speak with the MP.

Police aren’t looking for anyone else in connection with their investigation.

Rex FeaturesTobias Ellwood, a former Green Jacket, said he understands that politicians are deeply anxious to resume meetings with the public[/caption]

RexHowever, others said Sir David, pictured with his wife and three of their five children, believed in public engagement – and ‘hated’ Zoom[/caption]