Fifth anniversary of David Amess murder renews debate over MP safety
Ahead of the fifth anniversary of Sir David Amess's murder, concerns about violence against MPs and the protection they receive are back in focus.
The Full Story
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The fifth anniversary of the murder of Sir David Amess is due to be marked, with attention returning to the safety of MPs and the abuse they face.
Sir David, who had been an MP since 1983, was described as one of the most popular members of Parliament across the House. He was remembered as a genuine and old-fashioned constituency MP who cared deeply about his constituents. He championed Southend and is credited with helping it become a city. He also said his ambition was to become Father of the House, a role he was seen as likely to have achieved. He was known for asking questions that would make his local paper, including one about his mother reaching 100.
The anniversary has prompted wider concern about violence and intimidation in politics. Speakers noted that two serving members of Parliament have been killed in recent years, and said the image of an attack on Ann Widdecombe remains shocking. There is worry that such crimes are becoming normalised and that the public is becoming desensitised. One contributor said a member of Parliament can be killed, prompting shock and newspaper headlines, but that a week later it is forgotten.
Security for politicians is again part of the debate. The Home Secretary was praised for recent comments about extending protection to people beyond Parliament. The Prime Minister was also said to have made kind remarks about security issues faced by one MP. The discussion took place as the fifth anniversary approached, with condolences offered to Sir David's widow and daughters.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, grouped by how many channels reported each one. Select a dot to see the source excerpt.
| Claim |  |
|---|---|
| Only on one channel | |
| The fifth anniversary of the murder of David Amess is due tomorrow. | |
| The Home Secretary discussed extending security protection beyond Parliament. | |
| Two sitting MPs have been killed. | |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
GB News used the fifth anniversary of David Amess's murder to discuss political abuse and violence against MPs. The segment focused on the killing of two serving MPs, an attack on Ann Widdecombe, and what speakers called public desensitisation. It also praised the Home Secretary for discussing protection beyond Parliament, before moving to unrelated political items.
- “tomorrow is the fifth anniversary of the murder of David Amess”
- “two serving members of Parliament have been killed”
- “And what worries me deeply is that we're just getting used to it. It's desensitising us.”
Broadcast Timeline
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