MP SPEAKS | This morning, we lovers of democracy woke with a heavy heart to the news that came from Washington. A protest turned insurrection that occurred at the US capitol building earlier today was a nightmare brought to life for those of us dedicated to a peaceful world where our systems of governance allow for people to exercise their freedoms and build a better world together.

We take stock of the fact that these were not peaceful protesters simply exercising their constitutional right to assemble, but more an angry mob, armed and using such rhetoric as “no one gets out alive, not today.” We also recognise these protesters, as a break from the convention of peaceful demonstration practiced elsewhere in the US and around the world.

We must not let the actions of the few reflect or diminish the cause of the many. Democracy shines brightest when the people are free to stand in opposition, but this abuse of duty and sullying of democratic ideals threaten us all...