Article submitted by Karen Bradley – Member of Parliament for the Staffordshire Moorlands:
Last week saw a historic day in Parliament as MPs came together to pay tribute to His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
I did not have the opportunity to contribute physically in the Chamber but was pleased to be able to share the following tribute in a Book of Condolence that the Speaker has kindly organised:
“On behalf of my constituents in Staffordshire Moorlands, I wish to associate myself with the words of the Prime Minister and other colleagues in the House of Commons in paying tribute to HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. For more than 70 years, Prince Philip was at the centre of our national life. I know from the many tributes made by my constituents, how important he was in people’s everyday lives. From the life changing opportunities given to young people who took part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, to the many organisations that the Prince supported, to his steadfast support for our armed forces, so many of us benefitted from his work.
“I met him on a number of occasions and was always struck by his charm, wicked sense of humour and interest in others. But the most striking thing was his support for HM The Queen. He was by her side for over 70 years and leaves the biggest void imaginable. My thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty and the whole Royal Family at this most difficult time.”
I also welcome the fact that the Conservative Party, following the sad news, took the decision to pause all campaigning for both County Council and the Police and Fire Commissioner elections until last Tuesday as a mark of respect for the Royal Family and again on Saturday for the funeral.
