Murdered David Amess’ daughter says he was ‘catastrophically’ failed by Home Office

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The daughter of David Amess, murdered by an Islamic State supporter at his MP surgical procedure, says she was “catastrophically” failed by the federal government’s Prevent programme.

Katie Amess reportedly launched a High Court civil case for private damage towards the Home Office and Essex Police earlier this yr following her father’s homicide in 2021.

Sir David, 69, was stabbed 21 instances by Ali Harbi Ali, who pretended to be a constituent enthusiastic about native church buildings earlier than launching an assault he had deliberate for seven years outdoors the constituency surgical procedure held at a Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea.

Ali, 28, had been referred to the Home Office’s deradicalisation scheme Prevent seven years earlier however boasted he was in a position to look compliant when coping with the organisation.

Sir David Amess with his beloved pugs Lilly and Botox
Sir David Amess along with his beloved pugs Lilly and Botox (PA Archive)

He was sentenced in 2022 to a whole-life jail time period.

“We know the guy did it,” Sir Amess’ daughter Katie instructed The Sunday Times.

“I just want to know how and why he was allowed to … What has been changed to ensure that this never happens again and that another family doesn’t have to go through the absolute heartbreak and trauma that has just shattered our world?”

Ali Harbi Ali, after being arrested on suspicion of the murder of Sir David Amess
Ali Harbi Ali, after being arrested on suspicion of the homicide of Sir David Amess (PA)

“The police told us they didn’t follow up with him due to an admin error,” stated Ms Amess, who needs a full inquest into her father’s loss of life.

According to the coroner’s report, Ali’s six-month evaluate of his Prevent case was “missed” after which his yearly evaluate revealed “nothing of concern”.

Ms Amess stated: “He was reported. People were trying to help us. And so why was he allowed to just go on and do whatever he wanted for seven years? What happened to my dad should not have been an admin error.”

Armed police officers outside Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess was stabbed to death
Armed cops outdoors Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, the place Conservative MP Sir David Amess was stabbed to loss of life (PA Wire)

“It’s pretty obvious that Prevent isn’t fit for purpose, it has consistently failed people,” Katie stated. “It failed me. It failed my family catastrophically, it failed the public and also it failed other members of parliament.”

Sir David Amess was born and raised within the county he served. He was grammar faculty educated and studied economics and authorities at Bournemouth University. The married father-of-five was first elected an MP in 1983 for the Essex city of Basildon.

Just the day earlier than her father’s homicide Katie’s older brother, David, was left a risk to hurt and rape him and his father over a voicemail.

Essex Police officers drove by the Amess household residence to verify for suspicious exercise that very same night time however didn’t present safety for his tragic surgical procedure the following day.

Mourners pay their respects to Sir David Amess
Mourners pay their respects to Sir David Amess (PA Wire)

The coroner concluded the risk was “taken seriously” with police later ruling the risk was unrelated to the homicide, however his daughter nonetheless feels the pressure failed her father.

“We fully presumed that they would provide protection the next day,” she instructed the The Sunday Times. “But they failed us massively. You work for the people. You’re protecting society. That’s your job … Just one threat should be enough.”

A Home Office spokesperson stated: “Our thoughts continue to be with Sir David Amess’ family and friends.

“The attack on Sir David Amess was an awful tragedy, the safety of members of Parliament is paramount, and significant work has been taken forward in response to his tragic killing.

“Prevent is a vital tool to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism and tackles all ideological causes of terrorism.”

An Essex Police spokesperson stated: “Sir David Amess was a thoroughly committed public servant who worked tirelessly for his community.

“In the immediate aftermath of his murder, two of our heroic unarmed officers ran into the face of danger, trying desperately to save him and of course detaining his killer.”

The pressure added: “We are aware that what is in effect a protective claim form has been filed at court, however as these papers have not been served on our force, we are unable to comment any further upon them.

“We remain committed to supporting our elected members across the county in the execution of their public duty and to this end we regularly review and advise around security arrangements for our Members of Parliament.”

Essex Police stated that “as with all forces up and down the country”, it doesn’t present officers to police constituency surgical procedures.

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