Murdered MP's daughter credits Ann Widdecombe's support

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 05:59 · Archive

Katie Amess, daughter of murdered Conservative MP Sir David Amess, has described Ann Widdecombe as a 'beacon of hope' following her father's death.

Katie Amess, 41, has described Ann Widdecombe as 'a great source of strength and a beacon of hope' for her family following her father's death. Sir David Amess, a 69-year-old Conservative MP for Southend West, was stabbed multiple times by Ali Harbi Ali during a constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church Hall in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15 October 2021. The Daily Express reports that Ali Harbi Ali was convicted in 2022 and handed a whole life order for murder and the preparation of terrorist acts. He had previously been referred to the anti-radicalisation scheme Prevent, though his case was closed in 2016.

Ms Amess has campaigned tirelessly for a public inquiry since her father's death, which she describes as 'just absolutely heartbreaking and completely traumatising'. She has said she still has 'so many unanswered questions' five years on. She welcomed the Government's commissioned independent review but continued to push for a full public inquiry, where witnesses could be legally compelled to give evidence.

'It's definitely been a frustrating process because obviously I've been fighting for five years now,' Ms Amess said. 'As the victim's daughter, I shouldn't have to do that. There should have just been an inquiry automatically, straight away.' The independent review will be led by former Conservative justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland KC, with the aim of establishing how the murder was able to happen, identifying lessons to be learned, and recommending measures to reduce the risk of future tragedies.

How it is being reported

• Inside Ann Widdecombe's close bond with family of murdered MP Sir David AmessKatie Amess, daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess, has opened up about Ann Widdecombe's close bond with their family: "She was best friends with my dad"Daily Express · 14 Oct, 05:39
• Ann Widdecombe was 'beacon of hope' for daughter of murdered MP Sir David AmessEver since Sir David Amess was stabbed to death at a constituency surgery in Essex in October 2021 his daughter Katie has been campaigning tirelessly for a public inquiryThe Mirror · 14 Oct, 04:12

In this story: Katie Amess · Sir David Amess · Ann Widdecombe · Ali Harbi Ali · Sir Robert Buckland · Leigh-on-Sea · Essex

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