Widow of MP Sir David Amess Accuses Government of Cover-Up

The widow of murdered MP Sir David Amess, Lady Julia Amess, has publicly accused the UK Government of a “cover-up” following a review into the handling of her husband’s killer by the Prevent programme. In a letter addressed to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, which was obtained by the PA news agency, Lady Amess described the review as an “insult to Sir David’s memory” and called for a public inquiry to properly address the family’s concerns.

Lady Amess has engaged legal representation to examine the report published by David Anderson KC, the Independent Prevent Commissioner. Her legal team criticized the review process, stating that “too much investigation” has occurred behind closed doors, limiting transparency and accountability. Hudgell Solicitors, representing the Amess family, emphasized that only one counter-terrorism officer with direct knowledge of the case involving Ali Harbi Ali was interviewed during the review.

Ali was referred to Prevent seven years prior to the fatal stabbing of Sir David at his constituency surgery in Essex in October 2021. He was sentenced to a whole-life order the following year. The report noted that while “intensive” efforts have been made to improve Prevent’s processes, the effectiveness of some changes remains uncertain. One counter-terrorism officer reportedly described Ali as a “great person” shortly before his case was closed.

In her correspondence with Ms. Cooper, Lady Amess expressed frustration over what she perceives as a lack of respect and compassion from the Government. She stated, “Your letter implies that you have our best interests at heart – which could not be further from the truth.” She further criticized the limitations of the review, asserting that Lord Anderson lacked the authority to uncover the full extent of the failures that led to her husband’s murder.

The emotional weight of her statement underscored the family’s ongoing struggle for answers. “It is an insult to Sir David’s memory,” she wrote. “I will fight until my dying day for my husband, our children and their children.”

Solicitor Neil Hudgell reiterated the family’s call for transparency, highlighting that critical questions regarding Ali’s referral to the Prevent programme remain unanswered. He noted that the review did not include input from other members of the Prevent panel involved in Ali’s case, which raises further concerns about accountability. “They continue to fight for transparency and accountability,” Hudgell stated, echoing the family’s demands for a statutory public inquiry that would compel witnesses to provide evidence under oath.

The Home Office has been approached for comment regarding the allegations and the ongoing investigation. As the Amess family seeks clarity and justice, the impact of this case raises broader questions about the effectiveness of the Prevent programme and the safeguards in place to protect individuals from radicalization and violence.