BASILDON and Billericay MP John Baron has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death yesterday.

Mr Baron said: "The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II profoundly moves us all. The overwhelming majority of people in the UK and the Commonwealth have known no other monarch, and many of us will be coming to terms with this news with unexpected emotion and sadness.

 "Throughout her life Her Majesty gave a constant example of selfless devotion and service to her people in the UK and the Commonwealth. Her unstinting service stemmed from her vow to devote her whole life, whether long or short, to serving her people in her determined but humble and understated way – a vow she certainly kept. She led by example with dignity and grace, both in her private and public lives, and was sustained by her constant faith. She was loved and admired by her people.

 "Outside the UK, Her Majesty will be remembered for leading the evolution of the Commonwealth from a group of just six countries to a family of 56 nations encompassing a third of the world's population. She oversaw changing times with respect and surefootedness, and on many occasions was our finest diplomat.

 "She was a Queen to the end, meeting her Prime Ministers two days before she died. Given how much she loved Scotland and embraced her Scottish heritage, it is fitting that she spent her last days in Balmoral – a special place with a lifetime of happy memories and associations.

 "At this time we are all mindful that as well as Queen, Her Majesty was a loved family member. On behalf of my constituents of Basildon and Billericay, I send the Royal Family our condolences and best wishes.

 "Finally, as Her Majesty readily understood, life must go on. In the next days we will mark her extraordinary life and pay tribute to her lifetime of service, and the great legacy she leaves. After that, we will look to the future with confidence and usher in a new era in this country's proud history.

 "God Save the King."