One hundred children from across the country took part in a debate in Parliament today to mark the fifth anniversary of Sir David Amess's death. The Conservative politician was murdered at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex on October 15, 2021.
Sir David's legacy honoured by young MPs
Sir David was a co-founder of the Children's Parliament initiative, which holds events for youngsters aged seven to 11 in Westminster to teach them about democracy. To mark the anniversary of his death, 100 "Child MPs" led and chaired a disability rights debate organised by the Children's Parliament All-Party Parliamentary Group.
Former Tory MP Anna Firth said: "Sir David believed passionately in giving children a voice. Seeing 100 Child MPs carry his vision into the House of Commons will be a powerful and fitting tribute to his legacy."
Debate and performances in Westminster
Ms Firth, who succeeded Sir David as the MP for Southend West and Leigh, and ex-Conservative MP Nigel Evans mentored the children in the debate. The 100 children and 100 members of the Commonwealth Choir, who performed for Queen Elizabeth II for her Jubilee, began the event by performing "The Democracy Song" in Victoria Park Gardens.
The debate took place this afternoon in a committee room in the House of Commons.
Background to Sir David's death
Sir David, 69, was stabbed to death by Ali Harbi Ali at a constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church. Ali, who was convicted in 2022 and given a whole life order for murder and the preparation of terrorist acts, had been referred to the anti-radicalisation scheme Prevent, but his case was closed in 2016.
