AN MP paid an emotional tribute to MP Sir David Amess - speaking of the “pain and grief” his family must be feeling following his death.

Peter Kyle gave a speech following the death of the Southend West MP, who was fatally stabbed at a church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on Friday, October 15.

It comes after the 69-year-old was attacked as he held a regular meeting with constituents in what has been described by the Metropolitan Police as a “terrorist incident”.

Hove's Labour MP paid tribute to his colleague at a service of compassion in memory of those who had died of Covid-19 in Brighton and Hove.

Speaking at the service, Mr Kyle said: “As this is a service of compassion, perhaps I could start on behalf of the three MPs for Brighton and Hove, by remembering the contribution to public life of David Amess MP.

“And recognise the pain and grief his family will be feeling in this very difficult time.”

The MP went on to read the poem I Heard We We’re In The Same Boat.

The Argus: The names of the 500 people who died of Covid-19 in Brighton and Hove were read out at the event The names of the 500 people who died of Covid-19 in Brighton and Hove were read out at the event

The names of the 500 people who died of Covid-19 in the city were also read out at the inter-faith event at Brighton Dome on Sunday, October 17.

Students from Brighton and Hove Sixth Form College read the names to a backdrop of Bach’s The Art of Fugue, which was played by the Florentine String Quartet.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas and Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle also gave readings, as well as locals including bus driver Nathalie Wahlen, funeral director Tora Colwill and poet Grace Nichols.

During his speech, Mayor of Brighton and Hove Alan Robins recalled how he had lost his sister Mary to Covid in August this year.

“She spent the last three weeks of her time on earth in an oxygen hood in a vain attempt to save her life,” he said.

“To all of you who have lost someone, I know and share your grief and pain. And I hope and pray we can all find peace.

“Let’s face it, compassion, whether it’s called love, loving kindness, humanity, self-giving or some other name, it’s something that we all need.

“A world with compassion is a better place for all of us."

The Vice Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex Sara Stoner also spoke of the “hope and kindness” that had sprung from the community during and after lockdown.

Brighton-based choir Soul of the City, six-woman band The Cheer Up Mollys and Kora musician Jali Burama Mbye also lifted spirits with musical interludes.