Home Secretary Denies Sir David Amess’s Family’s Request for Public Inquiry

The home secretary has declined the family of Sir David Amess’ request for a public inquiry into his death, a decision labeled as “unacceptable” and “insulting” by the murdered MP’s widow and daughter.

Yvette Cooper, in her letter to Lady Julia Amess and Katie Amess, mentioned that an inquiry would not provide additional information beyond terrorist killer Ali Harbi Ali’s trial and the recently published Prevent learning review.

Lady Amess expressed her disappointment, urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to reconsider the government’s stance before their scheduled meeting with the prime minister and the home secretary on Wednesday.

Reacting to Cooper’s letter, Katie Amess described it as “adding salt onto an open wound,” expressing feelings of sadness, betrayal, pain, and heartbreak.

Ali, who had been referred to Prevent years before the incident, killed Amess in 2021 and received a whole-life order in 2022.

Amess’s family received a response rejecting their request for a public inquiry last Thursday.

In her letter, Cooper explained that a public inquiry would not offer new insights beyond what had been covered in the trial, Prevent learning review, coroner’s report, and other ongoing investigations.

The home secretary informed the Amess family about appointing an independent external reviewer to evaluate the findings from previous investigations and assessments.

Lady Amess criticized the government for not ordering an inquiry, emphasizing the need for one for the safety of public servants and the accountability of the state.

Expressing her disappointment at Cooper’s letter, Lady Amess said that the investigations conducted so far did not provide them with the answers they seek.

She urged the prime minister to reconsider the government’s position and grant an inquiry for the sake of transparency and accountability.

Katie Amess conveyed her shock at Cooper’s letter, stating that it felt dismissive and hurtful, adding more pain to their grief.

She expressed her determination to fight for her father’s legacy and seek justice, hoping that the government would reconsider their decision.

Security minister Dan Jarvis acknowledged the family’s quest for answers, noting the improvements made to the Prevent program and MP safety measures since the incident.

While ruling out a public inquiry, the home secretary proposed a thorough examination of previous reviews to address the family’s concerns.