My friend would never compromise on access

DEMOCRACY is not a given. Most of human history has been made without it and much of the world continues to know little of the democratic intimacy at the core of relationships between British MPs and their constituents.

- Sir John Hayes MP FORMER SECURITY MINISTER

DEMOCRACY is not a given. Most of human history has been made without it and much of the world continues to know little of the democratic intimacy at the core of relationships between British MPs and their constituents.

The personal contact that brings those with elected power into direct contact with those they serve is as fragile as it is precious; MPs’ accessibility is their vulnerability to those whose cruel mission is to destroy our democratic nation.

Few parliamentarians were more accessible than Sir David Amess. The outpouring of grief after his tragic death, and the endless accounts of his boundless capacity for goodness, are reminders of the severity of terrorist threats endured by those who choose to serve and face the people; as well as the popular appreciation of the positive difference made by dedicated politicians.