The tragic murder of my friend Ann Widdecome, in such appalling circumstances, has been devastating.
It has brought back the horrific memories of losing my two other close friends, both of whom were victims of political terrorism.
Sir David Amess in Southend, only five years ago, and Ian Gow in Eastbourne, blown up by an IRA bomb placed under his car at his home in 1990.
I first met Ian when he was Parliamentary private secretary to Margaret Thatcher in 1982.
I met David in 1983, after he became the MP for Basildon. We soon become close friends.
Ann and I met in 1986, when she interviewed me for one of my first jobs in politics.
She was always there, supporting me during my own political career.
It was Ann who told me before the last General Election in 2024, that I was in the wrong party, that the Conservative Party had stopped being conservative and that I should join Reform UK.
This was good advice. I am glad I listened to Ann.
I made the right decision.
Ann would always put country before party, and I will do the same.
She was one of the kindest, honest, and most principled people I have ever known.
Her patriotism, love of country, and Christian compassion shined through.
We need more like Ann Widdecombe in public life today.
In tribute to her memory, we must all now fight to get our country back.
Our English and Christian way of life that made our nation great, is being eroded by a hateful left-wing Marxist-socialist ideology that is teaching our children to hate their own country.
At a time when our nation becomes weaker with inadequate defences, uncontrolled immigration, and economic policies that are making the United Kingdom poor.
There is a huge job to be done to restore our country and save our cherished island nation from the calamitous situation we face.
At least in Havering, I am happy that we can still celebrate our British traditions with pride.
This pride was demonstrated recently with both the Armed Forces Day parade through our town centre and the special ceremony at the Coronation Gardens to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, where 20,000 British serviceman died fighting for King and Country on the first day of battle.
The bloodiest day in the history of the British Army.
In Romford, we will always salute those who have served in the defence of our freedom and will never allow those who attack our country and our way of life to succeed.
Tell me what you think, e-mail your thoughts to andrew.rosindell.mp@parliament.uk.
- Andrew Rosindell is Reform UK MP for Romford.
Share