A BORDERS MP has paid tribute to his colleague Sir David Amess, who died after being stabbed last Friday.

On Friday (October 15) Mr Amess, a Conservative MP, was stabbed during a surgery in his Southend West constituency in Essex.

David Mundell, who represents Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale for the Conservatives had recently returned from a parliamentary fact-finding visit to Qatar – which was being led by Mr Amess.

"I just felt numb hearing the news about Sir David Amess," said Mr Mundell, "It was a truly appalling, senseless and barbaric act of violence which has taken away a man who was kind, gentle, considerate to others but with a wicked sense of humour."

Mr Mundell added: "Sir David was, of course, a long-standing parliamentarian with 38 years as an MP and dedicated to public service and his constituents as we have seen from the effusive tributes paid to him.

"I've spent recent days with Sir David on a parliamentary visit. He was not only great company as head of that delegation but also had a gentle touch dealing with everyone the same whether they were rulers, highest officials, politicians or child refugees who did not speak English.

"I had an exchange of messages with Sir David on Friday morning and I still find what has happened absolutely unbelievable. Just truly, truly awful.

"My heart goes out to his family, his staff and friends.

"For me what has made these events even worse is that they took place at his constituency surgery, which to me is one of the most important duties for MPs. I believe MPs must be accessible to their constituents and be able to have face to face discussions.

"Obviously, we must learn all the lessons we can from the circumstances of Sir David's murder, but I am determined to continue to have my regular surgeries, even if they may now need to be on an appointment only-basis rather than drop-ins that I have always done until now.

"It would undermine our democracy if constituents cannot see their MPs. That's what our democracy is founded on. It has to be on a basis that MPs and their staff can feel as safe as possible."

During the parliamentary visit, Mr Mundell and Mr Amess and their colleagues discussed the impact of the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan, preparations for the World Cup and they also met with refugees.