Labour MP hopes to help Sir David Amess's family

Relatives of murdered Conservative MP Sir David Amess need "answers" to the question of whether there were failings ahead of his death, a Labour MP has said.

Sir David, MP for Southend West, was fatally stabbed in 2021 and IS fanatic Ali Harbi Ali was subsequently handed a whole-life prison sentence for his killing.

The MP's daughter, actress Katherine Amess, has told a newspaper that she wants a full inquest.

David Burton-Sampson, elected Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh in July, told the BBC he will contact Ms Amess and "see what can be done".

David Burton-Sampson says he will contact Sir David Amess's daughter

"We need to get the answers that Sir David Amess’ family, understandably, want," said Burton-Sampson.

"The murder of Sir David Amess was an absolute tragedy.

"We need to understand if there were failings that could have prevented this from happening, both for Sir David’s family and for the future safety of all Members of Parliament."

Sir David was attacked while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on 15 October 2021.

Coroner Lincoln Brookes opened an inquest into Sir David's death on 27 October 2021, but a full inquest has not been held.

An artist's sketch of Ali Harbi Ali, who was jailed for a whole-life term in 2022, meaning he has no chance of parole

Ms Amess told The Sunday Times: "We have never had a full public examination into the events leading up to his death.

"My hope was, through this full public inquest, everybody would be given the knowledge of how this happened, and [that would] prevent it happening again.

"And right now it feels like we are waiting for the next one to happen.

"It’s been failing upon failing.”

Her solicitor told the BBC in January that Ms Amess was "horrified" by her father's murder and wanted lessons to be learned.

'Lessons'

Ms Amess, who lives in California, has begun legal action against police and the Home Office.

High Court papers show she filed a personal injury claim against the two authorities in December.

Essex Police and the Home Office said they were aware of the court action.

Earlier this month, a service of remembrance was held at St Peter's Catholic Church, close to where Sir David was killed.

Father Jeff Woolnough said it was "important to keep his memory alive".