Diolch, Llywydd. The death of Sir David Amess has cast the darkest cloud over our democracy, but we can remember him with fondness and warmth, because, everywhere he went, David brought light. He was the very symbol of what a parliamentarian should be—a man of deep principle but with the broadest of affection, a strong conviction but with a kind heart, who died as he lived, listening to the people. There are few people who I ever met for whom the term 'right honourable friend' was more fitting.

I came to know Sir David during my time at Westminster. He was a sincere Conservative, but he also embodied an independence of thought that rose above mere party politics. He supported me on a point of principle in the aftermath of the Iraq war, signing my impeachment motion—an act of cross-party co-operation and an eclectic friendship that typified David's attitude to life and to politics. Whenever I returned to Westminster in recent years, he'd always be there with that warmest of smiles, saying with the disarming charity that was typical of him how much the Commons was poorer without me. How infinitely poorer it is without a man such as him.

That someone so dedicated to his square mile was killed in the very community he loved and served make the tragic events of last Friday so much more painful and poignant. As we remember Sir David and celebrate his life, let us also stay true to our shared values, as representatives of the people, just like David did every day of his distinguished life. There are no greater tributes than those given by the people of Southend West, who put their trust in him—those he helped, those he championed, and those whose battles he fought. Let them be a source of comfort to fill the void. But there is no greater loss than that felt by his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and, on behalf of Plaid Cymru, I send our sincerest condolences at this unimaginably difficult time.