Mike Freer on quitting as MP: I narrowly avoided David Amess killer

The minister recounted his fortunate escape from David Amess's murderer and has recently announced that he will not run for another term due to safety concerns.

According to a recent statement, Mike Freer - who serves as both the Justice Minister and the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Finchley and Golders Green - has decided to step down from his political role due to a series of concerning events. He has reportedly experienced a number of alarming incidents, including death threats, verbal attacks, and close calls, which have ultimately led him to this difficult decision.

The most recent event involved an alleged fire attack at Freer's local office during the Christmas holiday season. Two persons are facing charges for this. Freer has been advocating for Israel and speaking out in support of the large Jewish community residing in his district.

Since his announcement on Wednesday night in an interview with the Daily Mail, many people have shared their praises for Freer.

During the BBC Radio 4 Today show, Freer explained how he narrowly missed a chance meeting with Ali Harbi Ali just a month before he killed Sir David Amess, the MP for Southend West.

He had visited Finchley on numerous occasions before. When questioned by the authorities, he admitted to going to Finchley on September 21, 2021. The date stuck in my memory because he revealed his intent to cause damage during his visit.

"By sheer coincidence, Boris Johnson had transferred me from the whips' office to the courts and equalities department the night before. If not, I would have been in Finchley and most likely subjected to an assault."

When asked about the suggestions given by the police to follow during his MP duties, Freer responded with the advice to constantly be conscious of the environment. This includes checking the surroundings before parking the car and approaching the office. Sometimes, there may be people waiting for you outside, but it is important to maintain a safe distance. Additionally, ensure that the office is properly illuminated, the CCTV cameras are functional, and panic buttons are available.

When organizing a public gathering, it's crucial to be prepared with a possible escape route behind you. This type of situational awareness is crucial to always have ingrained in your mind. As an added measure of safety, he even decided to purchase a stab-resistant vest.

When asked if he was being singled out because he represented an area with a considerable Jewish community, Freer responded by saying that he couldn't come to any other conclusion. He mentioned that the amount of negative treatment he faces while supporting his electorate regarding anti-Semitism and Israel is definitely a contributing factor.

Lindsay Hoyle, the speaker of the Commons, expressed his disappointment on ITV's Good Morning Britain that Mike Freer has chosen not to run for re-election. Hoyle shared that he feels sorrow for Freer, as he has faced numerous death threats in the past. Hoyle himself has even received one last Friday. This type of behavior towards MPs is completely unacceptable.

The chief secretary to the Treasury, Laura Trott, expressed her sorrow on GB News about Freer's choice being very unfortunate.

According to her, Mike Freer is an exceptional political leader and an outstanding individual who has played a significant role in improving Britain. She believes that a transformed approach to politics is necessary in the country to ensure that everyone feels safe expressing their views without facing any form of harassment or intimidation.

Karen Pollock, who holds the post of chief executive at the Holocaust Educational Trust, expressed her sentiments about Freer, stating that he was an advocate for his people. She also added that enduring such repercussions for his actions was not an acceptable outcome for someone in public service.

During an interview on the Today programme, Freer stated that after experiencing a series of dangerous situations, it becomes necessary to put an end to it.

As members of parliament, we understand that criticism is part of the job, especially for minor issues. However, it's not equitable for our loved ones when they are also affected by the stress. When our families feel overwhelmed, we must seriously consider if we should keep going.