National guidance has been called for at Westminster over access to last rites by the dying at the scene of disasters and emergencies, following the killing of Sir David Amess.

There was controversy at the time of the MP’s killing that a local priest, Father Jeffrey Woolnough, was not allowed into the church where the politician, a devout Catholic, had been fatally stabbed, to administer the sacrament.

The issue was raised in Parliament as the life of Sir David was celebrated at a private funeral service in Southend and people lined the streets to pay their respects.

The father-of-five was attacked while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on October 15.

Speaking in the House of Lords, Home Office minister Baroness Williams of Trafford paid tribute to Sir David, who she said “tragically died carrying out his duties as a public servant”.

Informing peers there were no plans to introduce a strategy regarding the attendance of religious ministers at disasters or emergencies, she said: “Decisions regarding the management of such situations remain an operational issue for the emergency services involved.”

Pressing the minister, Tory peer Lord Moylan said: “The tragic death of Sir David Amess brought to national attention a problem that experts and academics in the field of disaster and emergency response have recognised for some time. 

Read more >> How Sir David Amess's funeral and procession unfolded

"Namely the lack of a considered approach to the role of ministers of religion and their access to victims at end of life in disasters and emergencies.”

While welcoming talks between the Archbishop of Westminster and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner on the issue, he added: “Would the minister agree that a national standard is required?

“Will she undertake a study preliminary to that of other jurisdictions such as Israel, Italy, and even of Northern Ireland where practice tends to be more nuanced and accommodating?”

Lady Williams said: “I certainly think there are lessons to be learned from other jurisdictions.

“I totally empathise with the situation that both David Amess’ family and indeed the police found themselves in during the course of that dreadful incident.”

Labour peer Lord Anderson of Swansea: “Lord Moylan has spoken with compassion but is there not a danger that the attendance of ministers of religion at the scene of an accident could hamper the work of the emergency services?

“Surely if there were serious injuries the victim would be taken to hospital where they can if desired call on the services of the excellent chaplaincy service, which works 24 hours a day.”

Lady Williams said: “Lord Moylan’s question was around Sir David Amess who sounds like he was on the point of death and his family would have liked the last rites for him from a Catholic priest.

“He is correct to point out that the criteria involved in such incidents for the police to consider are of course protection of life, the risks at the scene and the preservation of evidence at the scene.”

The Bishop of Coventry the Rt Rev Christopher Cocksworth called for “further training and education to ensure police officers understand the significance of spiritual comfort at the point of death”.

Conservative peer Lord Moynihan said: “The circumstances surrounding access for the local priest to be with Sir David… put everyone concerned into an exceptionally difficult position.

“Will the minister look at the US model where emergency managers can identify and engage with faith-based groups in emergency preparedness activities, building partnerships with faith-based groups to establish protocols for use at the scene of serious injuries and integrating faith leaders into emergency situations involving serious injury?”

Lady Williams said: “I will certainly take his point back. I know the College of Policing are welcoming engagement with faith community leaders or others who have concerns… to understand views and consider possible next steps.”

Liberal Democrat peer Lord Paddick, a former deputy assistant commissioner in the Metropolitan Police, said: “Can the minister not bring together faith leaders and police leaders nationally to discuss the potential use of discretion in appropriate cases?”

Lady Williams said: “I do think that there has got to be a framework around these things. Forensic preservation is crucial at such scenes even where it is a apparently clear what has been going on.”