Sir David Amess: A Friend of the British Overseas Territories

Earlier this month the country was shocked by the tragic murder of Sir David MP. Much was talked about his important work on a variety of issues, from endometriosis to animal welfare, and of course the campaign to make Southend a city. But Sir David was also a staunch supporter of the British Overseas Territories, and it is important that we remember the work he did to help them.

Sir David was Chairman of the Bermuda All Party Parliamentary Group, which worked to strengthen ties between the UK and Bermuda, and promote Bermuda’s interests in the UK Parliament. The Premier of Bermuda, The Hon. David Burt MP, paid tribute to Sir David, calling him ‘a great friend to Bermuda’.

Sir David visited Bermuda in 2004, and met with Bermudian officials many times in London.

Sir David was also a great supporter of Gibraltar. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo QC MP described him as a ‘great friend of Gibraltar, a supporter of our people and a frequent visitor to the Rock’. In 2001 he sponsored an Early Day Motion calling for Gibraltar’s sovereignty to remain unchanged, as per the wishes of its people, amid discussion from the Government about joint sovereignty with Spain.

FOTBOT joins the country in mourning his loss.