WITHAM MP Priti Patel has given a heartfelt speech in Parliament following the death of the Queen.

The former Home Secretary addressed MPs saying: "Our Queen was loved, cherished, respected, and admired for her deep devotion to public service and to the people.

“We are meeting in circumstances that we all knew would happen one day, but it is, of course, a day that none of us wanted to see.

“It was so poignant when the heavens opened and cried with the country as the devastating news broke and this period of national mourning began.

“The late Queen Elizabeth II’s life was, of course, dedicated to public service and deeply inspiring.

“She had the dignified presence, ability and charisma, which this House has heard so much about already, to lead our nation through dark periods, but also through the most joyous moments we have celebrated as a country.

“From the horrors of the world wars to the fears of the pandemic, she was one who never ever faltered in her duty."

She also spoke of her times meeting the Queen adding: “For every one of us and for all of our constituents, a royal visit was one of the most joyous moments and occasions we would celebrate.

“They were wonderful, they were memorable, and they were great events, particularly when the visitor was Her Majesty the Queen.

“A few months after my election to Parliament in 2010, I witnessed that excitement when the Queen visited the village of Tiptree in the Witham constituency to mark the 125th anniversary of the royal warrant-holding jam makers Wilkin and Sons.

“The affection and warmth shown towards Her Majesty was not astonishing to see, and Queen Elizabeth reciprocated, touching everyone’s hearts, and taking the time to see and speak to everyone, including when inspecting the world-famous jams and the production lines of Christmas puddings, which so many people in this House have enjoyed.

“Despite those huge undertakings, each person she met felt special and that was a tremendous mark of her own humility.

“That day nearly 12 years ago remains fresh in the minds of my constituents who, sadly, are mourning with the entire nation.

“At this moment in time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family, and we offer our wholehearted support and commitment to the King.

“In the years ahead, while the face on our notes, coins and stamps will change, Her late Majesty will always occupy a special and affectionate place in the heart of this nation."