A 25-year-old man has denied murdering the Conservative backbencher, Sir David Amess.

The devoted Christian and MP for Southend West was stabbed at a constituency surgery on the 15th of October in an alleged terror attack.

The father of five died at the scene.

Suspect, Ali Harbi Ali appeared before Mr Justice Sweeney at the Old Bailey on 21st December.

He gave a plea of not guilty to murdering the politician on 15th October and denied charges of preparing acts of terrorism between 2019-2021. 

Mr Ali was arrested at Belfairs Methodist Church Hall in Leigh-on-Sea where he is alleged to have stabbed Sir David.

Following Sir David's death, an amendment to ensure Catholic priests can administer a person's last rites, even at crime scenes, was proposed in Parliament, after Fr Jeffrey Woolnough was denied access to Sir David at the time of his passing.

Sir David's death also prompted a review into the security of MPs whilst conducting their day-to-day work.
He is the second MP to be killed during constituency business, following the murder of Jo Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen in 2016.

Mr Ali will remain in custody until his trial on 21st March 2022.