Katie Amess: 'Dad's legacy is one of love'

The daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess said his legacy "is one of love" on the fifth anniversary of his death.

Katie Amess told the BBC her father was remembered fondly by "thousands and thousands" of people and that she missed him terribly.

Sir David was the Conservative MP for Southend West when he was stabbed to death while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on 15 October 2021.

"My dad's legacy is one of love and just being the biggest example of what a constituency MP should be," Amess said. "Somebody that is there for the people, that is in politics for the right reasons."

A review into the MP's death was commissioned by the government in August and sought to minimise the risk of future tragedies.

So-called Islamic State fanatic Ali Harbi Ali was given a whole-life sentence for the murder in 2022.

He had been referred to the anti-radicalisation scheme Prevent seven years before he killed the veteran MP, but his case was closed in 2016 after one meeting.

Becoming tearful at times, Amess said she felt her father's spirit urging her to continue pushing for answers about his death.

She recalled "how amazing he was" and added: "I miss him and my whole family misses him.

"I just try and remember him for the good that he did in the world."

Amess said she would be attending two masses in Sir David's memory on Thursday.

Schemes championed by Sir David included The Music Man Project and the Children's Parliament, which allowed seven to 11-year-old children to enjoy a debate in Westminster.

He died before the scheme could ever go ahead, but youngsters, including a group from Fairways Primary School in Southend, are due to have their first debate on Thursday.

"They are the key to which way this country is going to go, so we need to teach them democracy," said Amess, who added that her father would be proud.

"[It is about] teaching how to use our words, rather than resort to violence and arguments and pettiness."

The schoolchildren, who were elected by their peers, will also scatter white rose petals in Downing Street in memory of Sir David during their visit.

"It's a lovely tribute to him and it's very meaningful," Amess said.

"In the local area and up and down the country, we're all just praying for him and we're praying for a brighter future for our country."

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