Suffolk MPs pay respects to Queen

Members of Parliament from Suffolk have paid their respects to Queen Elizabeth II.

Buckingham Palace announced the Queen had died shortly after 6.30pm.

Elizabeth II, 96, was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, serving as head of state for more than 70 years.

Her heir apparent, Charles, is now King, having ascended to the throne on her death.

Tom Hunt, MP for Ipswich, said on Twitter that it is hard to imagine there will be another Monarch who has given so much to our country and our people.

He added: "She will live on in our hearts and memories forever."

James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, Tweeted: "Profoundly moving to hear of the Queen’s passing - she devoted her whole life to public service & ceaseless duty.

"I simply feel incredibly privileged to have lived in her great reign."

Matt Hancock, MP for West Suffolk, expressed his deep sadness at the news that Her Majesty The Queen has died at the age of 96.

He added: "I am deeply saddened by the news that Her Majesty The Queen has died.

"The Queen has been a rock of stability for our nation, and the world, throughout her 70 years on the throne.

"Queen Elizabeth II embodied so much of our shared history and she represented our great nation to the world.

"Her service, dedication and duty have inspired us all. My thoughts and prayers are with The Royal Family at this time of national mourning."

He concluded: "The Queen's death is not just a loss for this great country but the world. May she rest in peace."

Member of Parliament for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, Dr Dan Poulter said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of HM the Queen and my thoughts are, of course, with her family at this very sad and difficult time.

"Her Majesty the Queen has been the very best example of 'service above self' and has entirely dedicated her life to public service.

"Her loss will be felt across the Commonwealth and of course, here in Suffolk.”

Jo Churchill, MP for Bury St Edmunds, said: "I join with others in expressing my deepest sadness at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

"My thoughts and prayers are with The Royal Family and her friends at this sad time.

"The Queen, for many of us has been the one constant in an ever-changing world, supporting our nation and its people through good times and bad.

She added: "Her Majesty was revered as a symbol of strength, duty and leadership, her loss will be felt across the world but most keenly by those of us in the United Kingdom, the Realms, and the Commonwealth. Rest in peace."

A spokesperson for West Suffolk Council Labour Group said: "West Suffolk Council Labour Group express their sadness at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, a person who personified public duty, and served her Country with distinction for 70 years.

"She was also a wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, grandmother, and great grandmother and as we celebrate her life in all its facets we send her family sincere condolences and hope they gain comfort in knowing Nations share their loss."