Jump to content

David Amess

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from David Anthony Andrew Amess)
For other people with similar names, see David Ames.

Sir David Amess
Portrait photograph of Sir David Amess smiling
Official portrait, 2020
Member of Parliament
for Southend West
In office
1 May 1997 – 15 October 2021
Preceded byPaul Channon
Succeeded byAnna Firth
Member of Parliament
for Basildon
In office
9 June 1983 – 8 April 1997
Preceded byHarvey Proctor
Succeeded byAngela Smith
Personal details
Born
David Anthony Andrew Amess

(1952-03-26)26 March 1952
Plaistow, Essex, England
Died15 October 2021(2021-10-15) (aged 69)
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England
Cause of deathMurder (stab wounds)
Political partyConservative
Spouse
Julia Arnold
​
(m. 1983)​
Children5, including Katie
EducationSt Bonaventure's Grammar School
Alma materBournemouth University (BSc)
Committees
AwardsKnight Bachelor (2015)
WebsiteOfficial website

Sir David Anthony Andrew Amess (/ˈeɪmɪs/ AY-miss; 26 March 1952 – 15 October 2021) was a British politician who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Southend West from 1997 until his murder in 2021. He previously served as MP for Basildon from 1983 to 1997. A member of the Conservative Party, he was a Catholic with socially conservative political views, and was in favour of Britain leaving the European Union.

Born and raised in Essex, Amess studied economics and government at Bournemouth University and then had short careers as a primary school teacher, underwriter and recruitment consultant. He was elected a Conservative councillor for Redbridge in 1982 and MP for Basildon at the 1983 general election. His position was seen as a bellwether seat, exemplifying the enthusiasm of the "Essex man" for the government of Margaret Thatcher. He held the seat in the election of 1992, but moved to the safer seat of Southend West at the 1997 general election and served the constituency as MP until his death.

In government, his highest position was as parliamentary private secretary to Michael Portillo for twelve years. He was more prominent as a backbencher, serving on many select committees and sponsoring several pieces of legislation, including the Protection against Cruel Tethering Act 1988 and the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000. The causes for which he campaigned included animal welfare, awarding city status to Southend-on-Sea, the honouring of Raoul Wallenberg, and support for those suffering from endometriosis.

Amess was knighted in the 2015 New Year Honours for political and public service. On 15 October 2021, Amess was murdered at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea by Ali Harbi Ali. Southend was granted city status as a memorial to Amess in 2022.

Early life and career

[edit]

David Anthony Andrew Amess was born on 26 March 1952 in Plaistow, Essex (now part of Newham, London).[1] From a working-class background, he was the son of James Amess, an electrician, and his wife Maud Martin, a dressmaker.[1][2][3] Amess was raised Catholic, like his mother.[4] Maud died on 12 October 2016 at the age of 104.[5]

Amess attended St Anthony's Junior and Infant School, then St Bonaventure's Grammar School (now St Bonaventure's Catholic School) on Boleyn Road in Forest Gate.[6] He said later in life that his political interests stemmed from his time at St Bonaventure's,[2] where he stood for the Revolutionist Party, whose key demands were for minimum pocket money and the abolition of homework;[7] by the time he became an adult, he was a Conservative.[7] As a child he had a stammer, and speech therapy to correct this resulted in the loss of his natural Cockney accent.[1][2] Amess went on to Bournemouth College of Technology (now Faculty of Science and Technology of Bournemouth University), where he earned a bachelor's degree (BSc Econ Hons 2.2) in economics and government.[8][9] Amess taught disabled children at St John the Baptist Primary School in Bethnal Green for a year (1970–71), and then spent a short time as an underwriter (1974–76) before becoming a recruitment consultant.[7][9]

Political career

[edit]

He unsuccessfully stood as the Conservative candidate for Newham North West in the 1977 Greater London Council election.[10] He contested the safe Labour Party seat of Newham North West at the 1979 general election. The seat was retained by Labour's MP Arthur Lewis. In 1982, Amess was elected as a Conservative councillor to the London Borough of Redbridge's Mayfield ward, with his party forming the majority administration.[11][12] He served as vice chairman of the Housing Committee from 1982 until 1985 and stood down for the 1986 local elections.[13]

The incumbent Conservative MP for Basildon, Harvey Proctor, moved to Billericay in the 1983 general election; Amess was selected to replace him and was elected Member of Parliament for Basildon on 9 June 1983.[14] He exemplified the new demographic of "Essex man" who supported Margaret Thatcher enthusiastically. Campaign described him as "representative of new Essex man, working class, father electrician, right wing, keen hanger, noisily rambunctious, no subtlety".[15][page needed]

Amess continued serving as an MP and a local councillor until 1986, when he stood down from Redbridge Borough Council to concentrate on his Westminster seat. He held his Basildon seat narrowly at the 1987 general election, partly by developing a significant personal following. After the election, Amess was appointed a parliamentary private secretary to Michael Portillo, a position he held for ten years throughout Portillo's ministerial career. Amess held his seat again at the 1992 general election, which was the first sign that the Conservatives would unexpectedly win that election; the Basildon constituency was viewed as the make-or-break milestone.[16]

Prior to the 1997 general election, there was a boundary review which divided the Basildon seat into two parts, which were added into two neighbouring seats. At the time, Amess remarked that the Boundary Commission "had raped the town of Basildon" by adding an extra seat there.[17] Given his small majority, the new Basildon constituency was almost certainly going to be gained by Labour. Amess thus decided to seek re-election elsewhere. In June 1995, Amess was selected for Southend West after the retirement of former Cabinet minister Paul Channon. He was consequently returned to Westminster again in the 1997 general election. Angela Evans Smith won the newly-drawn Basildon seat for Labour in 1997 by over 13,000 votes.[18]

Southend city status

[edit]

Amess was known for being at the centre of a long-running campaign to make Southend-on-Sea, the main town of his constituency, a city.[19][20] On 18 October 2021, it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II had agreed to grant Southend city status in his honour.[21][22] On 1 March 2022, Charles, Prince of Wales, presented the letters patent on behalf of the Queen in the council chamber at Southend Civic Centre, officially granting the town city status.[23]

Involvement in legislation

[edit]
Amess in 2012, for Horticulture Week

Amess sponsored many bills in Parliament,[24] including the Protection against Cruel Tethering Act 1988,[25] and the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000.[26]

In 2014, he helped to pass the Security Printing (Specialist) Materials Bill. This bill ended a loophole which allowed companies who supplied specialist printing equipment to counterfeiters to evade prosecution.[27]

In 2016, he helped to pass the Driving Instructors (Registration) Bill. This statute streamlined the process whereby instructors whose registration has lapsed can apply to return to the register. It also allowed instructors who wish to leave the register for personal reasons to do so without being penalised. Driving school owners and motoring organisations supported the bill.[28]

Protection against Cruel Tethering Act 1988

[edit]

The Protection against Cruel Tethering Act came about as a result of Amess's long-standing concern for animal welfare, supported by the National Farmers' Union. Amess stated in the House of Commons that the Ten Minute Rule bill was "inspired by the Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society".[29] The bill stated:

In section 1 of the Protection of Animals Act 1911 there shall be added in subsection (1) the following words after paragraph (e) "or (f) shall tether any horse, ass or mule under such conditions or in such manner as to cause that animal unnecessary suffering …[30]

Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000

[edit]
Amess in 2015

Amess's most publicised legislative success came in 2000 with the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act. According to a speech in the House of Commons made by Amess, the Act came to fruition after he was drawn out of the Private Members Ballot.[31] He met with Martyn Williams, a campaigner from Friends of the Earth, who convinced him of the need for the Act following on from the death of a constituent in a cold house.[31]

The Act required the Secretary of State to "publish and implement a strategy for reducing fuel poverty".[32]

This Act was widely credited with a significant change in both attitude and policy towards fuel poverty within the UK.[33] The scale of fuel poverty in England fell from 5.1 million households to 1.2 million households between 1996 and 2004, indicating the impact of the Act.[33]

Parliamentary committees

[edit]

Health Select Committee

[edit]

Amess served on the Health Select Committee from 1998 until 2007. Due to his role on the Health Select Committee, he became Chair of the Conservative Party Backbench Committee for Health in 1999.[34] He campaigned on various health issues since. While a member of the Committee, Amess played a prominent role in holding an inquiry into the state of obesity in the UK, leading to the publication of a report in 2004.[35] The report found that two-thirds of the population of England are overweight or obese and went on to discuss the causes of obesity, as well as making various recommendations to combat the problem. He maintained an interest in the issue, tabling a series of Parliamentary Questions in July 2013.[36]

Panel of Chairs

[edit]

Amess was also a member of the Panel of Chairs,[37] which comprises the chairman and two deputy chairmen of Ways and Means, as well as ten members nominated at the start of each session by the Speaker of the House of Commons.[38] Amess was last appointed on 26 May 2010, but had been on the Panel since 2001. As a member of the Panel, Amess was responsible for chairing public bill committees, chairing Westminster Hall debates, and at times, for chairing committees of the whole House.[39]

Backbench Business Committee

[edit]

Amess was elected onto the newly formed Backbench Business Committee in 2010; he stood down in 2015.[40]

Administration Committee

[edit]

Amess became a member of the Administration Committee in 2015. This committee is responsible for overseeing the running of the Parliamentary Estate and its services. He stepped down from the committee following the 2019 general election.[41]

Raoul Wallenberg

[edit]

Amess campaigned for many years to have a statue erected in honour of Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Jews in Nazi-occupied Hungary, an endeavour for which Wallenberg eventually lost his life. Amess began asking parliamentary questions in the late 1980s[42] regarding Wallenberg, campaigning for him to be awarded honorary British nationality. Amess had previously attempted to push through a Raoul Wallenberg (Memorial) Bill in the 1989–90 session.[43] He held an adjournment debate in Wallenberg's honour in 1996.[44] The resultant memorial created by sculptor Philip Jackson was installed in London, at Great Cumberland Place, outside the Western Marble Arch Synagogue and unveiled in 1997.[45]

All-party parliamentary group on endometriosis

[edit]

In March 2018, Amess launched an all-party parliamentary group on endometriosis to raise awareness of the condition and to investigate how those who have endometriosis can get the support that they need. Amess chaired the group, with Emma Hardy, Jackie Doyle-Price and Hannah Bardell as vice-chairs.[46]

Industry and Parliament Trust

[edit]

Amess became a Fellow of the Industry and Parliament Trust in 1994. Amess completed an IPT Post-Graduate Fellowship I in 2012, specialising in the Cultural and Creative Industries at BRIT School, ITN and the Royal Opera House. Amess became chairman of the board of trustees in 2014 and stood down at the end of his term in 2017.[47]

Comments about Weinstein scandal

[edit]

In October 2017, following the Harvey Weinstein sexual misconduct allegations, a statement was issued in the name of Amess which described the allegations against Weinstein as "dubious to say the least" and quoted Amess as having said that the "sudden flurry of alleged inappropriate advances beggars belief". Amess later retracted the statement and apologised "for any upset", saying that his staff had issued the statement without his authorisation.[48]

Media and publications

[edit]

Publications

[edit]

Amess wrote a pamphlet about his 1992 re-election to the Basildon constituency, Basildon—Against all Odds (2012).[49] It was launched in the House of Commons at an event to mark the 20th anniversary of the election and was attended by Prime Minister David Cameron and Conservative Party activists.[50]

Amess compiled a pamphlet titled Party of Opportunity with the Renewal Group, containing thirteen short biographical accounts of Conservative MPs who identify as working class or from a working-class background. The pamphlet, which was launched in the House of Commons in April 2014,[51] included contributions from four government ministers, including Sajid Javid, Mark Francois, Patrick McLoughlin, and Mike Penning.[52] The second edition of Party of Opportunity was launched in January 2015, sponsored by the Association of Conservative Clubs and included contributions from 29 Conservative MPs.[53]

Ayes & Ears: A Survivor's Guide to Westminster was published by Luath Press in December 2020. The book includes sketches of colleagues, memorable speeches, scandals, and descriptions of major events in Parliament from an insider's viewpoint. In February 2021, it was announced that the book had been shortlisted for the Parliamentary Book Awards in the Memoir/Biography category.[54]

Brass Eye

[edit]

Amess appeared in the February 1997 "Drugs" episode of the spoof current affairs television programme Brass Eye, and was fooled into filming an elaborate warning against the dangers of a fictional Eastern European drug called "cake".[55] Amess later asked a question about "cake" in Parliament, alongside real substances khat and GHB. In response, the Home Office minister incorrectly replied that "cake" was a name "we understand refers to 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-benzylamphetamine",[56] a real drug. In 2001, when Brass Eye was repeated and released on DVD, a disclaimer was added to the "Drugs" episode at Amess's request reiterating his disapproval of recreational drug use.[57]

Political views

[edit]
Parliamentary portrait by Chris McAndrew, 2017

Amess normally adhered to Conservative party policy when voting in the Commons.[58][non-primary source needed] He voted for the 2003 invasion of Iraq but was afterwards critical of the Labour government's failure to find the weapons of mass destruction with which they justified the action at the time. On foreign policy, he was also a leading member of Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI). He was one of the few Conservative MPs to support the campaign to impeach Tony Blair.[59]

Amess was one of 30 Conservatives who voted against military action in Syria in August 2013. He later commented that he felt the way he and his colleagues voted "made a difference" and if he had previously voted against the war in Iraq "things might be different" there as well.[60] Amess supported the reintroduction of capital punishment.[61] He was a critic of the government of Iran, and advocated for the National Council of Resistance of Iran; he publicly endorsed Maryam Rajavi's 10-point manifesto.[62][63] Amess was supportive of refugees and asylum seekers.[64][65]

Amess opposed abortion.[61] In June 2005, Amess supported the Prohibition of Abortion (England and Wales) Bill introduced by Laurence Robertson that sought to almost entirely ban abortion.[66][67] After entering the House of Commons, Amess generally opposed bills furthering LGBT rights, including equal age of consent and same-sex marriage.[68][69]

Amess campaigned for improvements in animal welfare and husbandry. He consistently voted to ban foxhunting and hare coursing. He was a patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.[70] Amess supported many campaigns, including banning cages for game birds, animal testing, puppy farming and smuggling, and ending the transport of live animals for export.[71][72][73][74][75]

In September 2011, Amess accused the BBC of being biased regarding its reporting of events in Israel, which he said was covered in a "highly disproportionate manner", showing the state in a "poor light".[76]

Amess was a Eurosceptic and came out in support of Brexit prior to the EU referendum,[77][78] in which he said it was "dangerous" and a "huge mistake" to vote "remain". He described the loss of parliamentary sovereignty and supremacy of EU law as the main negatives of UK–EU relations.[79] Amess criticised then United States president Barack Obama's intervention in the EU referendum campaign when he met with David Cameron, stating that he had "absolutely no right whatsoever getting involved".[80]

Awards

[edit]

Amess was knighted in the 2015 New Year Honours for political and public service.[81]

At the Dods Charity Champion Awards 2011, Amess won the Animal Welfare and Environment Champion award,[82] in which he was recognised formally for his leading role in and commitment to animal welfare, and was presented with the award by John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, in the State Rooms of the Speaker's House. The award is given to the parliamentarian who has done the most to tackle issues concerning the welfare of animals and the natural environment.[82]

Amess received the "Outstanding Achievement Award" at the Charity Champion Parliamentary reception hosted by Dods in 2012 in recognition of his lifetime commitment to charitable work.[83]

He was nominated for the Policy Driver for Animal Rights Protection award at the Grassroot Diplomat Awards 2014 for his longstanding dedication to animal rights.[84]

Personal life

[edit]

He and his wife Julia Arnold had one son and four daughters. Arnold was a part-time caseworker for her husband.[85] Their eldest daughter is actress Katie Amess.[86] Amess was a lifelong supporter of Premier League team West Ham United and attended their final game at the Boleyn Ground in May 2016.[87]

As an animal lover, his family had several pets. In 2016, these included a rescue dog; a pug called Lily.[88] Lily was succeeded by a French Bulldog called Vivienne who, shortly after Amess's murder in 2021, won the Westminster Dog of the Year Show.[89][90]

Amess was the president of the Music Man Project, a local charity that provides musical opportunities to people with learning disabilities. He appeared with the group in performances at the Royal Albert Hall and the London Palladium.[91]

Amess was a supporter of the British Monarchist Society.[92]

Murder

[edit]
Main article: Murder of David Amess
Belfairs Methodist Church, May 2021

On 15 October 2021, Amess was fatally stabbed at his constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church Hall in Leigh-on-Sea.[93][94][95][96] Amess's murder was later declared a "terrorist incident" by the Metropolitan Police.[97] The investigation, led by Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command, explored "a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism".[98] The killer, Ali Harbi Ali, a British citizen of Somali descent, was arrested at the scene, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order.[99][100][101][102][103][104] A post-mortem examination determined Amess died from multiple stab wounds to the chest.[96]

Funeral

[edit]

A procession and memorial service took place in Southend on 22 November. The private service, attended by family, was held at St Mary's Church, the Church of England parish church in Prittlewell. The Reverend Paul Mackay and Monsignor Kevin William Hale led the service. A family statement was read by the former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe. Afterwards, his casket processed through the streets in a horse-drawn hearse.[105] The next day a funeral service was held at Westminster Cathedral. Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined former prime ministers, the Speaker of the House Lindsay Hoyle and the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at the service. A message from Pope Francis was delivered by Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain.[106]

Legacy

[edit]
Tributes to Amess
Electric train in Southend named Sir David Amess, 2022
Amess's shield displayed in the Commons chamber

On 1 March 2022, Southend was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II; the city was visited by Prince Charles the Prince of Wales that day as a tribute to Amess.[107][108] In October, politicians paid tribute to Amess and a tree was planted in his memory in Southend.[109]

A shield of arms bearing the motto "His Light Remains" was posthumously granted to him, unveiled in the chamber of the House of Commons by his widow in October 2023.[110][111] In December, a fund was launched in his memory.[112]

A statue of Amess, by sculptor Andrew Lilley, began in January 2023.[113] Amess's widow was moved upon seeing its completion in October, stating, "... I felt I could reach out and touch him."[114] The statue was unveiled near the Chalkwell Lifeguards' base in Southend,[115] on 11 April 2024.[116][117][118]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Sir David Amess, well-liked, hard-working and robustly Right-wing Conservative MP for Basildon and then Southend West – obituary". The Telegraph. 15 October 2021. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "David Amess obituary: Brexiteer, animal rights campaigner and committed local MP". The Times. 15 October 2021. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  3. ^ McGreevy, Ronan (16 October 2021). "Irish priest remembers David Amess as a man who took his faith seriously". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  4. ^ "Maud Amess celebrates 104th Birthday". David Amess. 4 May 2016. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  5. ^ Pierce, Robyn (20 October 2016). "MP Sir David Amess pays tribute to 'inspirational' mum, who has died aged 104". The Echo. Basildon Canvey Southend. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  6. ^ Shaw, Neil (15 October 2021). "MP stabbed multiple times at constituency surgery". HullLive. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  7. ^ a b c Bates, Stephen (17 October 2021). "Sir David Amess obituary". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  8. ^ "Amess, Sir David (Anthony Andrew)". Who's Who. A & C Black. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  9. ^ a b "Profile". David Amess. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  10. ^ Boothroyd, David. "Greater London Council Election results: Newham". United Kingdom Election Results. Archived from the original on 24 March 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  11. ^ Dod's Parliamentary Companion 2004 (185th ed.). London: Vacher Dod. 2003. p. 78. ISBN 978-0-905702-43-8.
  12. ^ London Borough Council elections : 6 May 1982 (PDF). Greater London Council. Intelligence Unit. [London]: Greater London Council. 1982. ISBN 0-7168-1257-6. OCLC 15657315.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  13. ^ London Borough Council elections : 8 May 1986 (PDF). London Residuary Body. Research and Intelligence Unit. [London]: London Residuary Body – Research and Intelligence Unit. 1986. ISBN 1-85261-003-4. OCLC 18325621.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  14. ^ "Mr David Amess (Hansard)". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  15. ^ "What sort of person signs up as an advertiser?". Campaign. 26 January 1990.
  16. ^ "David Amess". BBC News. 16 October 2002. Archived from the original on 5 February 2004. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  17. ^ Roth, Andrew (2005). "AMESS, David" (PDF). Parliamentary Profiles (Andrew Roth). Parliamentary Profile Services Ltd. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021 – via the Bishopsgate Institute.
  18. ^ "Election Data 1997". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  19. ^ Webber, Esther (15 October 2021). "UK MP David Amess dies after stabbing attack". Politico. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  20. ^ "Sir David Amess: Long-serving MP and city status campaigner". Northern Times. PA News. 15 October 2021. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  21. ^ "Sir David Amess: Southend to become a city in honour of MP". BBC News. 18 October 2021. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  22. ^ Elgot, Jessica (18 October 2021). "Southend to become city in honour of Sir David Amess". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  23. ^ "Southend: Prince Charles presents city status document". BBC News. 1 March 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  24. ^ "Candidate David Amess". BBC News Vote2001. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  25. ^ "Protection against Cruel Tethering Act 1988: Section 1". legislation.gov.uk. The National Archives. 1988 c. 31 (s. 1). Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  26. ^ "Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000". legislation.gov.uk. The National Archives. 2000 c. 31. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  27. ^ "Specialist Printing Equipment and Materials (Offences) Act 2015". Parliamentary Bills. UK Parliament. 27 March 2015. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  28. ^ Amess, Sir David, MP for Southend West (27 January 2016). "Driving Instructors (Registration)". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). House of Commons. col. 274. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  29. ^ "Active Citizenship". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). House of Commons. 23 May 1991. col. 1070–1078. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  30. ^ "Protection against Cruel Tethering Act 1988". legislation.gov.uk. The National Archives. 1988 c. 31. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  31. ^ a b "Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). House of Commons. 10 March 2000. col. 1296–1359. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  32. ^ "Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000". legislation.gov.uk. The National Archives. 2000 c. 31. Retrieved 10 May 2014. An Act to require the Secretary of State to publish and implement a strategy for reducing fuel poverty; to require the setting of targets for the implementation of that strategy; and for connected purposes.
  33. ^ a b Stockton, Helen; et al. (National Energy Action) (October 2011). Time to reconsider UK energy and fuel poverty policies? (PDF) (Report). Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 February 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  34. ^ "David Amess MP". Southend West Conservatives. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  35. ^ House of Commons Health Committee (27 May 2004). Obesity (PDF) (Third Report of Session 2003–04). Vol. I. London: The Stationery Office Limited. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  36. ^ "House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 10 July 2013 (pt 0003)". UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  37. ^ "Panel of Chairs – Membership". Committees. UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 19 July 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  38. ^ "Role – Panel of Chairs". Committees. UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 26 November 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  39. ^ "Parliamentary career for Sir David Amess". MPs and Lords. UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  40. ^ "Backbench Business Committee". David Amess. 15 August 2012. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  41. ^ "Formal Minutes – Administration Committee". UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  42. ^ "Mr. Raoul Wallenberg". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). House of Commons. 27 January 1989. col. 773. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  43. ^ "Raoul Wallenberg (Memorial)". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). House of Commons. 8 January 1990. col. 707. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  44. ^ "Raoul Wallenberg". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). House of Commons. 26 February 1996. col. 695–702. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  45. ^ "Memorial to Wallenberg". The Irish Times. 27 February 1997. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  46. ^ "House of Commons – Register Of All-Party Parliamentary Groups as at 6 October 2021: Endometriosis". UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  47. ^ "Presidents and Board of Trustees". Industry and Parliament Trust. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  48. ^ Powell, Tom (13 October 2017). "Tory MP Sir David Amess retracts 'horrifying' comments about Harvey Weinstein and blames his staff". Evening Standard. London. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2017.
  49. ^ "House of Commons Hansard Debates for 09 May 2012 (pt 0002)". UK Parliament. Column 77. Archived from the original on 1 December 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  50. ^ "A Celebration to Remember!!". David Amess. 1 May 2012. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  51. ^ Graham, Georgia (9 April 2014). "Conservatives are home of the workers". The Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 19 June 2014. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  52. ^ Amess, David (n.d.). Skelton, David (ed.). The Party of Opportunity (PDF). Foreword by John Major. Renewal Group. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  53. ^ Bull, Victoria (15 January 2015). "Town's MP featured in list of working-class Tories". Hemel Today. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  54. ^ "Leigh: Sir David Amess's book nominated for award". Leigh Times. 10 February 2021. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  55. ^ "David Amess: from Chris Morris and 'cake' to scrutinising drugs policy". The Guardian. 23 October 2015. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  56. ^ "Drugs". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). House of Commons. 23 July 1996. col. 169. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  57. ^ "Drugs". Brass Eye Series and Special (DVD). 2 Entertain. 6 May 2002. Event occurs at 24:07. ASIN B000066NT9. Channel 4.
  58. ^ "Voting Record – David Amess MP, Southend West (10009)". Public Whip. Archived from the original on 14 October 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  59. ^ Cooper, Charlie (16 May 2016). "New move to put Tony Blair on trial over Iraq War gains cross-party support". The Independent. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  60. ^ "House of Commons Hansard Debates for 19 Dec 2013 (pt 0002)". UK Parliament. Column 937. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  61. ^ a b "David Amess". BBC News. 16 October 2002. Archived from the original on 5 February 2004. Retrieved 5 May 2008.
  62. ^ Amess, Sir David (6 July 2016). "Don't Ignore Iran". Forbes. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
  63. ^ Lo, Joe (30 January 2018). "UK MPs attend rally for Iranian group whose leader is still banned by London". Middle East Eye. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  64. ^ "Church minister leads on Our Turn Campaign for child refugees in Southend-on-Sea". Leigh Road Baptist Church. 1 July 2019. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  65. ^ Desouza, Danielle (16 October 2021). "Asylum seeker pays tribute to 'supportive' and 'welcoming' Sir David Amess". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  66. ^ "Amess claims figures will help win anti-abortion vote". The Echo. 31 March 2008. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  67. ^ "MP's delight at knighthood for his long career". Braintree and Witham Times. 2 January 2015. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  68. ^ "MP-by-MP: Gay marriage vote". BBC News. 5 February 2013. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  69. ^ Baynes, Chris (10 July 2019). "All the MPs who voted against lifting abortion ban and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland". The Independent. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  70. ^ "About Us". Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  71. ^ "Banning Battery Cages for Gamebirds". Early Day Motions. UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  72. ^ "Leigh: MP takes stand on animal testing". Leigh Times. 21 April 2021. Archived from the original on 22 April 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  73. ^ "David Amess speaks in the Puppy Farms debate". David Amess. 5 September 2014. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  74. ^ Dalton, Jane (16 June 2020). "Tory and Labour MPs condemn new delay on live animal export ban". The Independent. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  75. ^ "Campaigners join Joanna Lumley in international demonstration to #StopLiveTransport" (Press release). Compassion in World Farming. 14 June 2018. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  76. ^ "Conservative MP David Amess attacks BBC pay and 'bias'". BBC News. 7 September 2011. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  77. ^ "EU vote: Where the cabinet and other MPs stand". BBC News. 22 June 2016. Archived from the original on 15 May 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  78. ^ Goodenough, Tom (16 February 2016). "Which Tory MPs back Brexit, who doesn't and who is still on the fence?". The Spectator. Archived from the original on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  79. ^ "Sir David explains why he is backing Brexit". David Amess. 17 June 2016. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  80. ^ "Southend MP warns Obama: Stay out of British politics". The Echo. 25 April 2016. Archived from the original on 18 November 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  81. ^ "No. 61092". The London Gazette (Supplement). 31 December 2014. p. N2.
  82. ^ a b "WSPA supporter David Amess MP wins Charity Champion Award". World Society for the Protection of Animals. 19 May 2011. Archived from the original on 7 March 2014. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  83. ^ "A Charity Champion: David Amess MP Receives an Outstanding Achievement Award from Dods". David Amess. 28 June 2012. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  84. ^ "Animal Activist David Amess MP Nominated for Initiative Award". Grassroot Diplomat. Archived from the original on 22 October 2014. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  85. ^ Hope, Christopher; Michael Wilkinson (29 June 2015). "One in five MPs employs a family member: the full list revealed". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2 April 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  86. ^ Thorpe, George (3 May 2012). "MP's daughter Katie Amess is now a Hollywood starlet". The Echo. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  87. ^ "Sir David Reflects on West Ham United's Memorable Final Game at the Boleyn Ground". David Amess. 11 May 2016. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  88. ^ Palmer, Nick (13 May 2016). "Sir David Amess MP awarded Cruelty Free International MP of the month". Cruelty Free International. Archived from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  89. ^ Berril, Lewis (30 September 2021). "Southend MP and his beloved pooch running in parliamentary dog competition". The Echo. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  90. ^ "Sir David Amess' pet named Westminster Dog of the Year". BBC News. 28 October 2021. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  91. ^ Hurynag, Ashna (16 October 2021). "Sir David Amess: Locals remember the 'always smiling, always energetic' MP who always had time for others". Sky News. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  92. ^ "Patrons". British Monarchist Society and Foundation. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  93. ^ Emes, Toby (15 October 2021). "MP Sir David Amess 'stabbed multiple times' at residents' surgery in Leigh". The Echo. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  94. ^ McGuinness, Alan (15 October 2021). "Conservative MP Sir David Amess stabbed multiple times in incident at constituency surgery". Sky News. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  95. ^ Walker, Peter (15 October 2021). "Conservative MP David Amess stabbed in Essex attack". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  96. ^ a b Brunt, Martin (27 October 2021). "Sir David Amess: Inquest opened and suspended into death of MP". Sky News. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  97. ^ Faulkner, Doug & Alex Kleiderman (16 October 2021). "Sir David Amess killing was terrorism, police say". BBC News. Archived from the original on 30 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  98. ^ Kiek, Tim (16 October 2021). "Ali Harbi Ali named as terror suspect in Sir David Amess murder". The National. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  99. ^ "British MP's killer was referred to counter-terrorism scheme: Reports". The Straits Times. 17 October 2021. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  100. ^ Lee, Joseph (21 October 2021). "Sir David Amess: Ali Harbi Ali charged with murder of MP". BBC News. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  101. ^ "Sir David Amess: Ali Harbi Ali to face trial in March next year". BBC News. 22 October 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  102. ^ "Sir David Amess: Man found guilty of murdering MP". BBC News. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  103. ^ "Isis supporting terrorist given whole life sentence for 'shameless' murder of MP". The Independent. 13 April 2022. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
  104. ^ "Man who murdered UK lawmaker Amess jailed for life". Today. Singapore. 13 April 2022. Archived from the original on 15 April 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
  105. ^ "Sir David Amess death: Memorial service held in Southend". BBC News. 22 November 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  106. ^ "Sir David Amess: Funeral service takes place at Westminster Cathedral". BBC News. 23 November 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  107. ^ "Southend: Prince Charles presents city status document". BBC News. 1 March 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  108. ^ Crown Office Disclosures [@CrownOffFOIDs] (31 March 2022). "Warrant to prepare Letters Patent for conferring city status on Southend-on-Sea" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  109. ^ "Sir David Amess: tributes to 'forever admired' MP one year on from murder". ITV News. 15 October 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  110. ^ Fullbrook, Danny; Hatton, Ben (23 October 2023). "Sir David Amess memorial plaque unveiled in House of Commons". BBC News. PA Media. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  111. ^ Hoyle, Lindsay [@CommonsSpeaker] (23 October 2023). "I was lucky enough to call Sir David Amess a friend and I know he continues to be dearly missed. Alongside Lady Amess I am pleased we have been able to honour Sir David's memory with the unveiling of his shield and remember his dedication and service in the Chamber he loved. https://t.co/9tgkoEnuyT" (Tweet). Retrieved 23 October 2023 – via Twitter.
  112. ^ "Sir David Amess fund launched two years after his murder". BBC News. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  113. ^ "Sir David Amess statue to show his 'smile and warmth'". BBC News. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  114. ^ Rowlands, Saskia (8 October 2023). "It's perfect, I felt I could touch him". Sunday Mirror. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  115. ^ Hill, Cameron (15 December 2023). "Revealed: Where Sir David statue will be placed in Southend's lasting tribute to MP". The Echo. Retrieved 20 December 2023 – via Yahoo News.
  116. ^ "Here's when sculpture created in memory of Sir David Amess is set to be unveiled". Echo. 8 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  117. ^ "Date confirmed for unveiling of life-size statue of Southend's Sir David Amess". Echo. 4 April 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  118. ^ "Sir David Amess life-size statue is unveiled". BBC News. 12 April 2024. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to David Amess.
Wikiquote has quotations related to David Amess.
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Basildon
1983–1997 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Southend West
1997–2021 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=David_Amess&oldid=1265877958"