Today we remember our great former MP, Sir David Amess, whose brutal murder three years ago rocked the nation.

As we meet to lay flowers at his statue on Chalkwell Esplanade, I am proud that his legacy still burns bright in Leigh, across our City, and in Parliament.

Sir David’s much-loved Music Man Project, now an international, award-winning phenomenon, continues to go from strength to strength.

Led so ably by Founder and CEO, David Stanley BEM, over the last three years the global Music Man ambassadors have inspired audiences across the world, from the US to Canada to Europe.

Most recently they performed a magical concert in Milan as part of a new, ground-breaking, international partnership with the Italian group, Allegro Moderato.

From a Christmas hit single to a standing ovation from the King himself, Sir David would be so proud of the Music Man project.

Were he here today he would be shouting from the rooftops: “Next stop Broadway” followed by “And let’s have a dedicated, international centre to showcase Music Man to the world, right here in Southend”!

The Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament is now entering its third year and both of the junior Prime Ministers have chaired select committee hearings in Parliament, met senior politicians and represented our city with poise and dignity at many different events in London and beyond.

Sir David was also a great advocate and supporter of the elderly, and I am delighted to have continued his tradition of holding centenarian tea-parties in the constituency.

One of his proudest moments, however, was when his own private Member’s Bill, the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act, aimed at eliminating fuel poverty, became law.

At a time when energy costs are going up and so many pensioners are losing their Winter Fuel Allowance, there is no doubt that Sir David would thoroughly approve of our new “Meet, Heat & Greet” initiative to provide vulnerable pensioners with a free, delicious fish ‘n’ chip meal along with live music in the warmth of the Iveagh Hall, once a quarter.

Nationally, Sir David was known in Parliament as the champion of all animals and, indeed, as a young MP he steered The Protection Against Cruel Tethering Act 1988 through Parliament. Consequently, I am sure he would be equally delighted to know that all pets, especially dogs and cats, will be better protected going forward as a result of my own Private Member’s bill, the Pet Abduction Act becoming law two months ago.

I am also proud that as a result of law changes I led while in Parliament, all zombie-style knives and machetes have been banned. Anyone found with such a weapon, even at home, in a garage or shed, risks prison.

These laws, however, now need to be rigorously enforced. The thugs and hoodlums that we have all seen wielding machetes on our seafront need to feel the full force of the law, including a custodial sentence.

Until we get really tough, not just on those carrying knives but also those selling them, especially online, we will not eliminate this scourge that is threatening our city’s reputation as a lovely place for families and young people to live, work and visit.

Last month, I was very pleased to see the Sir David Amess Adjournment Debate take place again. Ably opened by Sir David’s great friend and colleague, Mark Francois MP, who recounted an amusing story about Sir David’s first victory speech in Basildon being written in great haste on toilet paper, I noticed that no-one attempted to beat Sir David’s legendary record of 30 topics in 12 minutes!

I am delighted to read that Sir David’s incredible legacy in founding the city of Southend is to be formally recognised through an annual City Day to be introduced by Southend City Council next year.

There is no doubt that Sir David would have loved this initiative and I look forward to finding out more about the celebrations.

Finally, in a time of great uncertainty at home and abroad, Sir David’s approach to life has much to commend it.

His ready charm, kindness and warmth were infectious and his enthusiasm for his role as MP knew no bounds. Every problem and every person was special – he even helped my mother with her PhD!

He was an inspiration and the driving force behind our new city who will never be forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family on this difficult day. May his light remain forever in Southend.