Politicians Remain Vulnerable Five Years After MP's Murder, Daughter Says

Five years after her father, Conservative MP Sir David Amess, was murdered, his daughter Katie Amess stated that politicians continue to face significant risks. The ongoing vulnerability of elected officials has been a prominent concern in recent years, highlighted by the deaths of Sir David in 2021, Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016, and a recent incident involving former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe.

"It's a very, very real situation that we're living with," Amess told the BBC, describing the past five years as "absolutely devastating and heartbreaking." She has advocated for a public inquiry into political safety to ensure "full openness, honesty, and transparency."

The increasing threats extend to other political figures. Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, confirmed that a man who pleaded guilty to sending her threatening messages also targeted her family. Kieran Kyle, 43, admitted in September to sending indecent or offensive communications to Badenoch and her relatives; he is scheduled for sentencing on October 29.

Badenoch noted that the threat to politicians is escalating, citing incidents such as Nigel Farage receiving threats and Keir Starmer's home being firebombed. "We just need to crack down on this," she said, acknowledging that dealing with such threats is "really tough, but you just have to get on with it."

Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice also reported experiencing threats and suggested that increased taxpayer funding for security measures might be necessary, arguing that voters would likely support such spending if it ensures the safety of politicians. "We have to find the middle ground where we're accessible but we're protected," Tice stated.

Amess reflected on her father's commitment to public engagement, recalling that he "loved meeting people" and that constituency surgeries were central to his work. She expressed that he would have wanted to be informed of any potential threats.

Sir David Amess's killer, Ali Harbi Ali, had previously been referred to the government's counter-terror program Prevent in 2014, but his case was closed in 2016. A review in February 2025 found that Ali's Prevent case was closed prematurely due to "problematic" assessments.

A review into the safety of politicians is currently being led by former Conservative justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland, with a report expected within six months. The review aims to address the persistent safety concerns following a series of attacks and threats against elected officials and their families.