Katie Amess warns politicians remain at risk five years after father’s murder

Katie Amess has warned that politicians remain at risk as the fifth anniversary of her father’s murder approaches. Speaking to the BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, she said threats against MPs were increasing and questioned what the changes since his death had achieved. Sir David Amess was killed at a constituency surgery on 15 October 2021. [1]

Her warning comes after Joshua Kerry was charged with preparing terrorist acts, including against Nigel Farage MP. Kerry had previously been charged with murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe. Prosecutors said inquiries into any political or terrorist connection to Widdecombe’s death were continuing. Both charges remain allegations. [5] [6]

Protection for MPs has expanded since Sir David’s murder. They were offered private guards for constituency surgeries for the first time, and new arrangements were introduced to analyse threats and assess risks. Yet a later parliamentary report found that many MPs still felt unsafe, partly because physical protection has limited effect on online abuse. [2] [11]

A 2025 survey engaged 224 MPs. Among those answering the relevant questions, 52% said they felt safe since becoming an MP in 2024, while 39% felt unsafe; 94% had taken up at least one security measure. The respondents were self-selecting, and the figures do not represent all MPs. [2]