Katie Amess urges public inquiry five years after father's murder

Katie Amess, daughter of the late MP Sir David Amess, told reporters that five years after her father's fatal stabbing she still faces “so many unanswered questions.” The veteran Conservative was murdered by Ali Harbi Ali at a church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in October 2021; Ali was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to a whole-life order, having previously been flagged by the Prevent anti-radicalisation scheme. A review headed by former justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland will examine the circumstances of the killing and suggest measures to prevent similar incidents.

Amess expressed frustration at the slow progress, arguing that an inquiry should have been launched automatically. She also recalled the support of former MP Ann Widdecombe, who acted as a family spokesperson after the tragedy. While living in Los Angeles, Amess plans a mass for her father and will spend the anniversary with friends and supporters.