MPs have supported the daughter of Sir David Amess in her call for answers after she claimed he was “catastrophically” failed by the Government’s Prevent programme.

Katie Amess, who now lives in America, has called for a full inquest into his murder, fearing he was failed by the Government’s Home Office programme that failed to recognise the danger posed by terrorist Ali Harbi Ali.

He was reported to Prevent back in 2014 and went on to stab Sir David, who previously served as MP for Basildon from 1983 to 1997, to death years later.

David Burton-Sampson, the current Southend West and Leigh MP, has insisted answers must be found for the family of Sir David Amess, and also for the future safety of all MPs.

He said: “I will be contacting Katie Amess, as the new MP, to listen to her concerns and see what can be done.

“We need to get the answers that Sir David Amess’ family, understandably, want.

“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 Amess had been holding a surgery in his Southend West constituency, at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh, when he was attacked by Ali.

Ali Harbi Ali was later sentenced in 2022 to a whole-life prison term for the murder of Sir David Amess.

Anna Firth, former MP for Southend West and Leigh, has also come out in support of the Amess family in their quest for answers.

She agrees that the Prevent initiative was “not fit for purpose”.

Ms Firth said: “Sir David Amess was the most wonderful MP who gave his whole life for our democracy. Nobody has sacrificed more than the Amess family, Lady Julia in particular, whose words following his death were so inspiring.

“There is no doubt that Sir David was failed by the Prevent programme which was absolutely ‘not fit for purpose’.

“The terrorist who murdered Sir David should never have been discharged from the programme which is why I called for further action to be taken following the conclusion of the Independent Review of the Prevent scheme on the February 8, in Parliament.”

Ms Firth won Southend West and Leigh in a 2022 by-election triggered following the devastating murder of Sir David, before losing her seat in the General Election in July.

“I fully support the Amess family in their quest for answers, and I hope very much that the authorities will provide them with all the information and support that they need,” she continued.

“Nobody in Southend will ever forget what happened on that tragic day and it is vital for our democracy that the Government and the authorities do the maximum to prevent another family and another constituency from having to face the tragic loss of such a beloved community figure to evil acts of terrorism.”

Bayo Alaba, Southend East and Rochford MP, added: “The murder of Sir David Amess was a terrible tragedy, and my thoughts are with his family around this time.

“Serious questions have been raised here, and I fully support the family in their search for answers.”

'Significant work has been taken'

The Home Office insists “significant work has been taken” in response to the murder of Sir David Amess as his daughter states his family were “catastrophically failed”. 

In response to Katie Amess’ demand for answers, a Home Office spokesman said: “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 spokesman added: “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.

“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."