'We must not be intimidated': PM says David Amess would not want MPs to change way they operate

Boris Johnson has said politicians "must not be intimidated" by the killing of MP Sir David Amess, who died after being stabbed while holding a constituency surgery in Essex.

The prime minister said his former Tory colleague would not want the reaction to his death to be a change in the way MPs operate.

A 25-year-old man has been charged with the MP's murder.

Ali Harbi Ali, a British citizen, was arrested last Friday shortly after Sir David was stabbed. The attack took place while the Southend West MP was holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

North London resident Ali has also been charged with preparation of terrorist acts. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and has been remanded in custody.

Speaking during a visit to Northern Ireland, the PM said: "What I can say is the threat to MPs as the home secretary said yesterday has been elevated a little bit to substantial, but that is in line with the general threat, the terrorist threat level, in the country.

"What we must not do is be intimidated... into changing the way we conduct our parliamentary business or the way we work in our constituencies.

"Which I think is the last thing that David Amess would've wanted."

Mr Johnson said he hopes Sir David's loved ones "get the justice they deserve as fast as possible".