British Conservative MP Sir David Amess was brutally stabbed to death in his constituency in Essex on 15 October 2021. He was hailed as “the perfect and people’s MP”. Paying tribute to Sir Amess’ 38 years of service to his constituency, Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday announced that the Queen has agreed to grant Southend a city status.
Sir Amess was killed while holding his constituency meeting at the Belfairs Methodist Church on Friday. Ali Harbi Ali, a 25-year-old British citizen of Somalian-origin, has been arrested as a suspect and detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Background
Born in Essex in 1952, Sir Amess was pro-Brexit. Serving for 38 years, he was one of the longest-serving MPs in the House of Commons. He was a patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation - along with Mr Johnson’s wife Carrie. He leaves behind a wife and four children - one son and three daughters.
His family released a statement saying, “Our hearts are shattered. We are trying to understand why this awful thing has occurred. Nobody should die in that way. Nobody. Please let some good come from this tragedy. We are absolutely broken, but we will survive and carry on for the sake of a wonderful and inspiring man.”
Sir David launched an all-party parliamentary group on endometriosis with the aim of raising awareness of the condition and investigate how those who suffer from endometriosis can get the support that they need. He was knighted in the 2015 New Year Honours for political and public service. He was a member of the Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor.
Nurturing the diaspora community
Saluting the community as the host of the first-ever Bengal's Pride Awards, organised by Asian Voice in June 2018 in House of Commons, Sir David Amess MP told the audience, "This is the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Bengali diaspora in the UK as well as the Bengali community in India and Bangladesh...From a rich history and countless achievements in various fields, Bengalis have a lot to be proud of. We always show huge gratitude to the tremendous contribution made by young Bengalis who travelled here to help rebuild this country following the Second World War...
"The Bengali community now is one of the most prominent cultural groups in the world."
Neil Basu QPM, Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations in Met Police and National Police Chiefs Council lead for Counter Terrorism Policing was a recipient of an award at this ceremony along with Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, for their achievements and contributions to the community.
Who is Ali Harbi Ali?
Ali was arrested inside the church and has been cooperating with detectives at a London police station where he is being held under the Terrorism Act. The Sun reported that police discovered Islamist material on his phone following the fatal stabbing and he is accused of travelling 50 miles by train to commit the murder - and admitted to killing Sir David. He lives on the celebrity street Lady Somerset Road in North London which comprises £2million three-storey townhouses.
Ali is the son of Harbi Ali Kullane, a former adviser to the prime minister of Somalia who said that he felt ‘traumatised’ after the arrest of his son. His friend has reportedly said that Ali was “radicalised” after watching online videos by convicted hate preacher Anjem Choudary. According to reports, police are investigating whether Sir Amess’ close links with Qatar may have led to his death. Sir David returned from a three-day visit to Qatar recently and was the chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on Qatar.
Tributes pour in
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Sir Keir Starmer were seen paying their respects to Sir David.
He said, “All our hearts are full of shock and sadness at the death of Sir David Amess MP. He was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said, “David served the people of Southend with endless passion, energy and integrity. That he was killed while going about his constituency duties is heartbreaking beyond words. It represents a senseless attack on democracy itself. Questions are rightly being asked about the safety of our country's elected representatives and I will provide updates in due course. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with David's family and friends.” Later, she stated that the security of all MPs must be amped up with immediate effect and MPs could be given protection at constituency meetings.
Lord Rami Ranger CBE tweeted saying, “Rest in peace in heaven, Sir David. You have left an inspirational legacy. You will be greatly missed by your family, friends, constituents and the nation.”
Paying tribute to Sir David, Conservative Friends of India tweeted: “We are very sad today we have lost a friend and colleague; Sir David Amess was a committed champion for his constituency and a Parliamentarian of the highest accord, we are so very sad today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in Peace Sir David.”
Preet Kaur Gill MP said, “This is a tragic day for our democracy. No one should be at risk when serving their communities. David was always a kind and respected parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family.”
Zarah Sultana MP said, “It's hard to find the words. David Amess was killed while holding a constituency surgery, just doing his job. It's truly horrific.
My thoughts and prayers are with David's loved ones on this devastating day for them, and for our democracy.”
Apsana Begum MP tweeted: “My deepest sympathies and condolences to all of David's loved ones following his devastating death. Truly horrific day.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan said, “My thoughts remain with Sir David Amess’ family, friends and staff at this time of unimaginable grief. As we have heard from the outpouring of tributes, Sir David was a brilliant, kind, dedicated public servant, widely liked and respected across the political divide.”
“The news of the attack on David Amess has tragically now turned to the devastating news that he’s died -a friendly & devoted colleague - a true campaigner who I came to respect as we shared thinking over freedom & the defence of human rights of people across the world - RIP David," Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon tweeted.
