The killing of Jo Cox will raise inevitable questions about the security of MPs, particularly when they are in their constituencies and away from the well-protected Houses of Parliament with its security checks and armed police.
In a recent survey of MPs, 43 out of 239 said they had been the victim of an actual or attempted attack.
More than 100 reported being threatened with harm. Incidents cited included when constituents had “pulled a knife on me in the surgery”, approached “with a hammer” or “repeatedly punched me in the face”.
Many MPs have also suffered menacing and repeated threats on social media.
But although some MPs are likely to reassess the precautions they take in the wake of Mrs Cox’s killing, it is unlikely that major changes will result, not least for practical reasons.
Meeting the public is an essential part of an MP’s role, not just in weekly constituency surgeries but also at events and when campaigning on the streets.
Carrying out checks to ensure that those present are not carrying weapons would not be feasible in most cases. Nor would most MPs desire such protection.
To reduce the risk, the Commons authorities give security advice. MPs are recommended to ensure that an aide is present during surgery meetings and can opt for an appointments system which can allow known potential aggressors to be identified.
Panic buttons can be installed too. Police — and MI5 in the case of terrorism — will, of course, respond to identified threats to MPs.
But the open nature of British democracy means MPs will unfortunately never be entirely safe.
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