Diane Abbott

The Speaker of The House of Commons says he is working " at pace" with the home secretary and police to look at ways to improve MPs' safety.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle said there had to be a review of current security measures

He Said he had reflected on MPs' " vulnerability" But did not want them to have to stop meeting constituents.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats say they will not fight any by-election for the late MP's Southend West seat.

Sir David, a Conservative MP since 1983, was holding a Friday meeting with constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, when he was stabbed multiple times.

A Man arrested by police after The Killing , Whitehall officials have confirmed to The Bbc .

Police say The British national is being held at a London Police Station under the Terrorism Act 2000. Officers have until 22 October to question Mr Ali, who is thought to be of Somali heritage.

The Attack has raised concerns about the safety of MPs, many of whom hold regular constituency surgeries which anyone can attend.

Writing in and, Sir Lindsay paid tribute to Sir David, a 69-year-old father-of-five, as a " lovely friend" and a " man who loved a laugh and always had a kind, or cheeky word to say".

Sir Lindsay said he had decided to go ahead with his own two-hour surgery in his constituency in Chorley, Lancashire on Friday, hours after hearing of The Attack .

He wrote he personally would not want these meetings to end as " the very essence of being an MP is to help and be seen".

After the Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered on her way to a constituency surgery in June 2016, MPs were offered a range of new security measures to protect their homes and offices.

But The Commons speaker said it was now necessary " to take stock and review whether those measures are adequate to safeguard members, staff and constituents, especially during surgeries".

He added he was " working closely and at pace" with the Home Office and police to find options.

Sir Lindsay also called for a " kinder" political discourse " based on respect" and an " end" to " the hate which drives. . attacks" against MPs.

Most MPs do not get close protection while in their constituencies, But security was increased following Ms Cox's killing.

All MPs were offered panic buttons, extra lighting, additional locks and emergency fobs at their homes and constituency offices.

The spending on such measures soared from £170,576 in 2015/16 to £4. 5m two years later.

The review of safety comes as Labour and the Liberal Democrats indicated they would not field candidates against the Conservatives when a by-election is held to find a new MP for Southend West. No date has been set for any contest.

It Follows the precedent set after Ms Cox's death, when The Other major parties opted not to stand in the subsequent by-election for her Batley and Spen seat.

It was subsequently, But is now held by Ms Cox's sister, Kim Leadbeater ,

On Saturday, political leaders including Prime Minister Boris Johnson , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , Home Secretary Priti Patel and Sir Lindsay visited The Scene of The Attack , laying wreaths at Belfairs Methodist church.

Ms Patel said measures were being put in place to protect MPs But added: " We cannot be cowed by any individual or any motivation. . to stop us from functioning, to serve our elected democracy. "

She insisted a balance could be found to allow face-to-face meetings with constituents to continue.

However, Conservative MP Tobias Elwood - who came to the aid of a stabbed Police Officer during the 2017 terror attack in Westminster - has suggested MPs speak to constituents on The Phone or over Zoom for The Time being.

And Labour MP Diane Abbott said she would prefer to meet constituents behind a screen to prevent possible stab attacks.

Her party colleague Ms Leadbeater said following Sir David's death.

Meanwhile, The Bbc understands The Suspect Mr Ali was referred to the government's counter-extremism scheme, Prevent, a few years Ago - But he did not spend long in the programme and was never a formal subject of interest to the Security Service, MI5.

Prevent is the UK's terrorism-prevention programme, which aims to stop people being radicalised.

Teachers, members of The Public , the NHS and others can refer individuals to a local panel of police, social workers and other experts who decide whether and How To intervene in their lives.

Engagement in the scheme is voluntary and it is not a criminal Sanction .

Source of news: bbc.com