ESSEX MPs have joined a global free speech campaign to honour those killed in the shooting at the Charlie Hebdo magazine offices in Paris yesterday (January 8).
Maldon MP John Whittingdale, Harlow MP Robert Halfon, Bob Russell, MP for Colchester, Stephen Metcalfe, plus MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock joined other Parliamentarians today at the stroke of midday in a two-minute silence at the House of Commons today.
They are pictured holding banners saying "Je Suis Charlie" or "I am Charilie", a social media movement designed to be an act of solidarity with the stricken satirical publication.
Twelve people were shot dead after two gunmen armed with Kalashnikovs and rocket-propelled grenade launchers stormed the magazine's office in Paris, killing cartoonists, journalists, admin staff and two police officers.
Millions of people around the world have joined the by displaying the signs and tweeting the hashtag #JeSuisCharlie.
Mr Halfon said: "It was incredibly important to honour the victims of the shooting with a two-minute silence today in Parliament.
"We need to insure that the values of freedom of expression, religious tolerance, opportunity and the rule of law continue to flourish and that appeasement of terrorism in the guise of extreme Islamism will never be tolerated.
"I was proud to represent Harlow in Parliament today. My thoughts go out to the people of France."
