ONE OF Reading's MPs will no longer hold drop in surgeries following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox last week.

Rob Wilson, MP for Reading East, is following police and parliamentary authorities' advice and only running by-appointment surgeries from now on.

“Police and other bodies are making sure that we take some precautions,” explained Mr Wilson.

“My surgeries are by appointment only now. I am not going to do any more drop in surgeries.

“I don't think it will change the way I act as an MP. I am still going out doing my constituent duties. “

Mr Wilson went on to say that the political atmosphere had been changing since MP Stephen Timms was stabbed twice with a 15cm kitchen knife during a constituency surgery in 2010.

“I think that 99 per cent of the relationships with constituents will be exactly as they were,” he said.

“We have to go with the advice we have been given. It is a shame, but one of those things.”

On Monday MPs from across the house gathered a Westminster to pay respects to Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed by a man in her constituency of Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire.

The Reading East MP said: “She was very interested in charitable causes and as I am the minister with the responsibility for charities, I knew her quite well.

“She was a lovely woman.

“It was one of the most emotional occasions I have been to. Her husband, sons and I think mother were there.”

Mr Wilson's sentiments were echoed by Reading West MP Alok Sharma, who has only ever held surgeries by appointments in a bid to maximise efficiency.

He said: “I think what happened to Jo Cox was extremely shocking. She was a hugely valued member of parliament and you saw in the tribute she was greatly loved and admired.

“It is hugely tragic, but we need to keep in perspective that we do live in a very safe country and I think we would be wrong if, as a result of what happened to Jo, MPs became less accessible to the public.”

Jo Lovelock, leader of Reading Borough Council, agreed with Mr Sharma. She said: “We cannot allow this to stop politicians speaking to the public. I am sure that most of us will be resolute.

“We have training in how to cope with tense situations. If there is any advice following this for MPs and councillors, we will be taking it.

“It is obviously horrific what has happened. Our hearts go out to her family.”