Coronavirus: Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns fights back tears in Commons after learning of friend's COVID-19 death
Andrea Jenkyns, the MP for Morley and Outwood, was visibly emotional as she spoke in a debate on fisheries legislation.
Tuesday 13 October 2020 22:32, UK
A Conservative MP fought back tears while speaking in the House of Commons shortly after receiving news that her friend had died with COVID-19.
Andrea Jenkyns, the MP for Morley and Outwood, joined Tuesday night's debate on the government's Fisheries Bill.
However, before she spoke about the proposed legislation, an emotional Ms Jenkyns told MPs: "If I may just take a few moments.
"I've just received a text message alerting me to the news that a good friend of mine - and former guitarist and former band member - has just died following a two-day battle with coronavirus.
"I just want to send my love and prayers to his wife and pay tribute to a gentle giant and an awesome guitarist, and a true family man.
"So rest in peace, Steve."
As she began her contribution to the debate on the Fisheries Bill, her voice broke with emotion.
Minutes before speaking in the Commons, she had posted on Twitter: "So sad, RIP to my friend, old band member and guitarist Steve who has died from COVID.
"A truly decent chap and family man, who will be missed immensely by his family and friends.
"God bless big guy and prayers for the family."
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Earlier on Tuesday, Ms Jenkyns spoke in the Commons in support of the government's new three-tier system of localised COVID-19 restrictions.
She said: "As Conservatives, we suffer by instinct from the imposition of restrictions - I personally do - but we would not do it unless it was extremely necessary to safeguard lives."