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The nation was shocked to hear of the murder of my colleague Sir David Amess MP stabbed at his surgery on Friday 15 October 2021.  Sir David was one of the kindest MPs and always stopped to ask how I was. In my role as Shadow Leader of the House I responded to the pre-recess adjournment debate where he used to raise constituents issues in Southend West. On one occasion, the Christmas Pre recess debate he named his constituents wished them a Happy Christmas and I joked that Sir David did not need to send Christmas cards that year. He continued to mention city status for Southend at every opportunity and it was only after his death that  Southend was given City status. 

David was a devout Christian and Roman Catholic and he leaves behind his wife Julia and children Katie, David, Sarah, Alexandra and Florence.   He will be missed in the House as a fantastic Parliamentarian but most of all by his family. Let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

I was delighted to be asked to open the newly refurbished Nehemiah Court on 1st October 2021. Nehemiah Court is a complex of 34 flats that was first opened in 2002 by Sir Bill Morris. I was met by the Chief Executive Llewellyn Graham and the Chair, Bishop Wilton Powell.

Valerie said : I was absolutely delighted that Pleck Library is continuing as a Learning Centre in the heart of the community in Pleck. Now families will be able to use the excellent facility without having to travel. it is on their doorstep.