'Many others take more risk than MPs and I don't intend to change how I work' — that was the message from Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely in the wake of the killing of his Southend West colleague Sir David Amess last Friday.

His words come as Hampshire and IW crime commissioner Donna Jones pledged that Hampshire Constabulary would be assessing what needed to be done to protect MPs in the two counties.

Mr Seely told the County Press he accepted the risk in what he did and he thought guards would put people off approaching him.

He said he was more concerned with the safety of his staff.

Mr Seely said: “The idea that MP can exist in a security bubble is a non-starter.

"There are other jobs, being a police officer, soldier, or even a care worker, that come with more risk

"Many of my meetings are with groups of Islanders and there is no chance that I will cancel those.

Read more: Southend MP stabbed to death.

"In the past month I’ve attended residents’ meetings in Freshwater, Bembridge and Wellow. Members of Parliament must be accessible.

“I rely on the common sense and decency of the overwhelming majority of people.”

Paying tribute to Sir David, Mr Seely said: “Many of the remarks aimed at Sir David passing will focus on what a kind man he was as well as an effective MP. All this is true; he was.

"I find it hard to believe he was near 70. He had more energy than many years younger, and he was always interested in others. He was young at heart. May he rest in peace.

"The debate in Parliament yesterday was a fitting tribute, as was the service in St Margaret’s, Parliament’s parish church.”

Emphasising he was still available for meetings, he added: “If anyone wants to meet me, as ever, all they have to do is contact my office and make an appointment.

"When Covid struck, we held appointments online or by phone. Since Covid restrictions were lifted I have been meeting constituents online, by phone or in person again, although we do ask people to explain their issue or concern prior to meeting, as this helps me to be better prepared so I can help people better.

“I don’t really want guards, as I think it will put people off approaching me.

“The idea that MP can exist in a security bubble is a non-starter. Many of my meetings are with groups of Islanders and there is no chance that I will cancel those. In the past month I’ve attended residents’ meetings in Freshwater, Bembridge and Wellow. Members of Parliament must be accessible.

“I rely on the common sense and decency of the overwhelming majority of people.”

Ms Jones said: “Following the horrific death of Sir David Amess, my heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends.

"This appalling attack is not only a human tragedy, but a direct attack on our democracy.

“The whole country has been shocked by this awful event, and it has left many of those elected to represent the public feeling concerned for their safety and the safety of their staff.

“Hampshire Constabulary has made contact with all MPs, and are assessing what more needs to be done to reassure MPs to enable them to continue their important work in their constituencies.

“By standing together in condemning the attacks on any democratically elected individual, we reaffirm that regardless of political affiliation, intimidation, aggression or violence will never be accepted.”