Neil Coyle, MP for Bermondsey, releases statement on Queen Elizabeth II’s death

The MP for Bermondsey, Neil Coyle, has released a statement to South London Press on the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who died yesterday in Balmoral, Scotland, at the age of 96.

The MP said: “Like so many others, I heard the news of Her Majesty the Queen’s passing with a strong sense of personal loss. She has been a constant feature throughout my entire life and has been a source of stability and continuity for us all in a time of great change. 

“She has managed change with grace and has overseen the work of 15 Prime Ministers. Her latest was this week, with Her Majesty showing her strength and sense of duty right until her final days. 

“Her first Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, was born 101 years before Liz Truss, and the Queen’s godfather Arthur, Duke of Connaught, was the Duke of Wellington’s godson. She embodied our shared history and values and the nation feels suddenly weaker for her absence. 

“Our country has been enriched by the service and duty provided by Elizabeth II and our people loved her deeply. I walked the length of Hadrian’s Wall earlier this year and every part of the country from coast to coast was adorned with Platinum Jubilee celebrations, bunting and regalia. People are stunned to have gone from that joy to this sorrow so fast.

“She said ‘grief is the price we pay for love’ when mourning her beloved husband, the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip. The photo of her mourning alone, following covid rules, will stay with us all forever. 

“I know the ‘nation’s grandmother’ will be mourned with great affection in Southwark and across the world. 

“It will take some time to adjust to her loss and I know many people want to come together to share the collective sense of grief. Southwark Cathedral is holding a service at 9.30pm each evening for anyone to attend in person or online to mark our loss and welcomes all attendees. 

“When elected, all MPs swear allegiance to our monarch. I have three times sworn allegiance to Elizabeth II and I will be swearing my oath to King Charles III soon. I will ensure that I share the gratitude and love of everyone in Bermondsey and Old Southwark in tributes to Her Majesty.

“We are thankful for her service and grateful for all she has done for our local community and her country. Thank you, Ma’am for your service, duty, care, devotion and love.

“You will be missed as a member of our own family and we send our thoughts and love to your family as they also learn to live without you and the sense of constancy you have brought us all.”

Pictured top: Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute at the University of Edinburgh, as part of her traditional trip to Scotland for Holyrood Week. (Picture: PA)