Former Conservative justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland KC has been appointed to lead an independent review into state failings prior to the murder of MP Sir David Amess. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the appointment in a letter to the Amess family on Monday, following a meeting with Sir David's daughter Katie Amess in January.
The Southend West MP was stabbed to death at his constituency surgery in Essex in 2021 by Ali Harbi Ali, a so-called Islamic State fanatic who was sentenced to a whole-life order. Ali had been referred to the anti-radicalisation scheme Prevent seven years earlier, but his case was closed in 2016.
Sir Robert said the murder shook the nation and made a deep personal impact on him, as he had held regular surgeries and worked with Sir David in Parliament. He accepted the invitation to ensure all facts and circumstances are identified, as demanded by the family and those who care about parliamentary democracy.
Katie Amess said the family welcomes the opportunity to meet Sir Robert but reiterated their call for a full statutory public inquiry, not just a review. She stressed that the murder raises serious questions about security and prevention that are of national importance. The family will engage in good faith but will continue to press for transparency and accountability.
Radd Seiger, spokesman for the Amess family, described the appointment as serious and credible but emphasised that a review lacks the powers to compel evidence and deliver full transparency. The family will participate in shaping the terms of reference but remains committed to seeking a public inquiry.
