Tory MP and office staff receive security training in the wake of Sir David Amess’s murder
A TORY MP and his staff have received security training in the wake of Sir David Amess's murder.
Mark Harper and four of his team learned what to do if confronted by a knifeman while out in his Forest of Dean constituency.
Security buffs from nearby G4S offered the ex-Cabinet Minister a masterclass in how to deal with potential threats this month.
Mr Harper told The Sun: "Given what had happened it seemed like a sensible idea for me and my staff."
As well as emergency first aid training they walked through how to respond in the terrifying event they were attacked.
Mr Harper said: "We ran through a series of scenarios that don't seem so ridiculous any more.
Read More on The Sun
"Both Jo Cox and David Amess were killed in their constituencies in front of their staff."
Sir David was stabbed to death last year by fanatical terrorist Ali Harbi Ali while meeting constituents in his Southend seat.
Ms Cox was shot dead in 2016 just before she was about to hold a surgery in her Batley constituency.
The two tragic MP deaths have sparked a debate over how accessible politicians should be to voters.
While the Houses of Parliament is heavily fortified and swarming with police, MPs rarely have protection away from Westminster.
Some MPs have described having their offices smashed in or graffitied and sent vile death threats.
Former chief whip Mr Harper said the solution was "striking a balance" between protecting MPs' safety but still engaging with constituents.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?
Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours