Brief
Katie Amess urges public inquiry into father Sir David Amess’s murder five years on
The daughter of the slain MP says the government‑commissioned review must deliver answers, or a formal inquiry will be pursued.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On the anniversary of Sir David Amess’s killing, his 41‑year‑old daughter Katie Amess told the PA that she still has “so many unanswered questions” and is pressing the government for a public inquiry.
Sir David, a veteran Conservative MP, was stabbed to death by Ali Harbi Ali at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh‑on‑Sea, Essex, on 15 October 2021. Ali was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to a whole‑life order for murder and preparation of terrorist acts. The perpetrator had previously been referred to the Prevent anti‑radicalisation scheme, but his case was closed in 2016.
The government has now commissioned an independent review, to be led by former Conservative justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland KC. The review will examine missed opportunities that allowed the murder to happen, draw lessons and recommend steps to reduce the risk of similar attacks on politicians.
Katie Amess said she welcomed the review but stressed that a public inquiry should have been launched automatically. “It’s definitely been a frustrating process because obviously I’ve been fighting for five years now,” she told the PA. “As the victim’s daughter, I shouldn’t have to do that. There should have just been an inquiry automatically, straight away.” She added that if the review does not produce answers, she will continue to push for a formal inquiry.
Amess also referenced the recent killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe, whom she described as “aunt Ann” and her sister’s god‑mother. Widdecombe was killed at her home on Dartmoor in July 2026, prompting Amess to say she fears for the safety of politicians. “After what happened to dad, she was our family spokesperson,” Amess said, recalling Widdecombe’s support after her father’s death.
The independent review, led by Sir Robert Buckland, aims to understand how the 2021 murder occurred, identify lessons and recommend measures to protect public officials. Amess said she hopes Buckland’s inquiry will provide the answers her family needs, and warned she will pursue a public inquiry if it does not.
Key facts
- Sir David Amess was stabbed to death on 15 October 2021 at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh‑on‑Sea, Essex. (standard.co.uk)
- Ali Harbi Ali was convicted in 2022 and given a whole‑life order for murder and preparation of terrorist acts. (standard.co.uk)
- The government has commissioned an independent review led by Sir Robert Buckland KC. (standard.co.uk)
- Katie Amess says she will continue to press for a public inquiry if the review does not deliver answers. (standard.co.uk)
- Amess also referenced the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe in July 2026, expressing ongoing safety concerns for politicians. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Daughter of MP Sir David Amess still has ‘unanswered questions’ five years on”
