HM Queen Elizabeth II was the living embodiment of all that is great about our nation - a connection to our past, a symbol of our values, a resilience and adaptability that reassured us of a bright future.
The loss we all feel at her passing is both immediate and one that we can all sense will take many, many years to overcome. But in offering herself in service to our nation, Her Majesty’s life will be an enduring gift - never to be forgotten, always to be cherished.
How lucky we have been to have had her for so long - the light in times of darkness, the anchor in our everyday, our pride in moments of national celebration.
In the coming days, through my role as the Member of Parliament for Hornchurch & Upminster and as a Government Minister, I wish to play my part in thanking Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on behalf of my constituents and mourning her loss as her subject.
As we say farewell to a great leader, who will forever command our love and respect, a new chapter opens in our story as a nation as subjects of His Majesty King Charles III.
The Prime Minister spoke for us all in wishing to support His Majesty in taking on the awesome responsibility that he now carries on behalf of our country and its people. He has my loyalty, respect and devotion in the service of our United Kingdom.
God save the King!
