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‘My car was surrounded – it was very frightening’: MS describes intimidation in wake of Covid pass vote

18 Oct 2021 3 minute read
Lily Hewitson of GB News speaking with Jane Dodds

A Welsh politician has described incidents of intimidation that she has had to face as a Senedd Member, in the wake of the death of Sir David Amess.

Speaking with GB News, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said that one particularly frightening incident had followed the Senedd’s vote for Covid passes two weeks ago.

Despite voting against the passes alongside the other opposition parties, she said that her car was surrounded on her journey from the Welsh Parliament building.

“Just under two weeks ago the Senedd took a vote on Covid passes. These were passes that were then introduced to allow people entry to nightclubs and big events and sporting events,” she said.

“We voted on the passes around 6pm to 6.30pm. I then sought advice about leaving the Senedd because there was a big protest outside by people we believed were anti-vaxxers, people who didn’t believe in vaccinations. I believe there were about 80 people there.

“As I left the Senedd in my car, my car was surrounded by protestors. They banged on the car, bent back my mirrors. Shouted abuse at me. Kind of put their posters all over the car.

“And I found that a very, very frightening experience. And indeed that was reported on but it was incredibly frightening.

“I absolutely believe that people should protest but not in a way that intimidates and frightens other people – be that me or anybody else.”

‘Tragedy’

She was speaking after Conservative MP Sir David Amess was stabbed multiple times during a meeting with his constituents in Essex on Friday. Sir David, 69, was married with four daughters and a son.

A 25-year-old British man is being held under the Terrorism Act.

On Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will lead MPs in paying tribute to their late colleague in the House of Commons.

Politicians will have at least two hours from 15:30 BST to share their memories of Sir David, after prayers and a minute’s silence. The tributes will be followed by a service at St Margaret’s Church, next to Parliament.

David Amess’ family described him as as strong and courageous.

“We ask people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all,” they said. “Please let some good come from this tragedy.

“We are absolutely broken, but we will survive and carry on for the sake of a wonderful and inspiring man.”

On Friday the Llywydd requested that all flags on the Senedd estate be lowered to half-mast following the death.

In a statement, Llywydd Elin Jones said that she was “deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Sir David Amess”.

“Our democratic process depends on our elected members being able to listen and talk to the public we serve,” she said.

“It should go without saying that every elected member should be able to carry out this work safely and without fear.

“As Members, we may have different views, but we are always united in our respect for the democratic process and our commitment to serving the public. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”


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Gareth
Gareth
3 years ago

There is and has been for sometime a nasty undertone in politics.

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