Family of murdered MP Sir David Amess demand answers from review
Independent inquiry seeks to address missed opportunities and lessons learned
Last updated 3rd Aug 2026
The family of Sir David Amess, the Conservative MP for Southend West who was murdered in 2021, is urging for answers from the independent review into his death.
The review aims to identify and address missed opportunities that could have prevented the tragedy, learning vital lessons to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Sir David was fatally stabbed during a constituency surgery in October 2021 by Ali Harbi Ali, a British national linked to the Islamic State terrorist group.
Ali was convicted in April 2022 and sentenced to a whole life order.
Despite being referred to the Prevent anti-radicalisation scheme seven years before the attack, Ali's case was closed after a single meeting in 2016.
The review, commissioned by the Government and led by former Conservative justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland KC, seeks to understand how the murder occurred and propose measures to mitigate future risks.
Terms of Reference published for the review emphasise addressing unexamined aspects important to the Amess family.
Katie Amess, Sir David’s daughter, stressed the need for transparency and accountability.
"For five years we have fought for full transparency and accountability and as a family we have been denied that at every step," she said.
"This is not just about what happened to my dad. It is about protecting all members of the public and other members of Parliament."
Solicitor Neil Hudgell, representing the Amess family, expressed gratitude for Sir Robert’s initial work and stressed the importance of thoroughness and candour from public organisations involved.
The review will incorporate Lord Anderson's Report Lessons for Prevent, a coroner’s inquest decision, documents from the judicial and coronial process, trial judgment and sentencing remarks, the Prevent Learning Review, and interviews with relevant parties.
It intends to conclude within six months, with findings submitted to the Home Secretary and released to the family.
Decision on further publication rests with the Home Secretary, with an assumption of full release, subject to redactions as needed.