The daughter of a Member of Parliament (MP) who was tragically killed during a constituency surgery is urging the government to conduct an inquiry into her father’s death. Katie Amess, whose father Sir David Amess was fatally stabbed in 2021, expressed her confusion over the absence of an investigation into the murder. The Conservative MP was attacked by British-born terrorist Ali Harbi Ali, who was under the watch of the counter-radicalisation Prevent program.
In response to the Southport murders, Labour leader Keir Starmer announced an inquiry to determine if there were missed opportunities to prevent Axel Rudakubana from committing the killings. However, Ms. Amess revealed that her request for a similar investigation into her father’s murder was denied.
She emphasized the need for inquiries in all cases where individuals known to Prevent are involved in fatal incidents. Ms. Amess questioned the disparity in treatment, pointing out the importance of transparency in such cases. She highlighted that terrorism should be addressed regardless of ideological affiliations.
Ms. Amess stressed that cases like hers are not isolated incidents and that those failed by Prevent and government agencies should also have inquiries to ensure accountability. She disclosed considering legal action to seek answers from the Government, expressing frustration over the lack of responses and support from both Conservative and Labour administrations.
The discrepancy in responses to different incidents raised concerns for Ms. Amess, who questioned why details were not made public in her father’s case while prompt action was taken in other instances. She emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing terrorism-related incidents.
Keir Starmer previously criticized the failure to protect young victims Bebe King, Alice da Silva Aguiar, and Elsie Dot Stancombe in the Southport tragedy, acknowledging a systemic failure in safeguarding these children.