Diolch, Llywydd. On behalf of the Welsh Conservative Senedd group, I send my heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Sir David Amess. The terrible news of his death has been met with shock, anger and sadness by so many across the United Kingdom. It's clear that Sir David was well respected and well liked across the political divide. Tributes and messages from so many people  and from politicians from all parties have been made, which just goes to show the calibre of the man we have lost.

Sir David diligently represented the people of Southend West and, prior to that, Basildon for almost 40 years, and in that time helped support thousands of people and champion so many important causes. Many of you will be aware of his passion for animal welfare. As a patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, he supported campaigns such as the ban on fox hunting, animal testing and puppy farming among other issues. However, perhaps the cause he was best known for was giving his beloved home town of Southend city status, which I understand Her Majesty The Queen has now approved. Indeed, he was clearly a committed constituency MP, who worked hard to represent and support his constituents, making it all the more cruel that he was taken away from us whilst performing his constituency duties. But above all, he was a much-loved husband and father to his wife and children, and a friend and colleague to so many.

Following Sir David's tragic passing, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has called for an end to the hate that drives attacks against politicians. He is right to say that if anything positive is to come out of this latest awful tragedy, it is that the quality of political discourse has to change, the conversation has to be kinder and based on respect. Politicians, activists and the media, we all have a role to play in advocating healthy debate and discussion, based on ideas and respect. And yet, too often, inciteful language is used, aggressive and hateful comments are posted online, and media articles and narratives demonise public figures and humiliate them. We must step up and promote a way of working that is built on respect for each other as human beings. We must call out hate when we see it and commit to detoxifying our political landscape.

The attack on Sir David was an attack on our democracy, and so, Llywydd, the greatest tribute that we can all give to Sir David is to continue with our duties and represent our constituents to the best of our abilities. But for now, though, our thoughts are with Sir David's family and all who knew him and loved him. May he rest in peace. Diolch.