Sir David Amess, pro-life MP and friend of SPUC, died last week after being stabbed multiple times at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Paramedics battled for two hours to save Sir David at Belfairs Methodist Church, but tragically could not prevent his death. SPUC remembers Sir David as a “stalwart” pro-lifer who never ceased fighting for the right to life of the unborn.
Sir David worked tirelessly over the years to protect unborn babies and support vulnerable women facing crisis pregnancies, operating within Parliament to forward various pro-life initiatives.
Sir David was also a great friend of SPUC and a staunch defender of the dignity of every human life.
SPUC’s Antonia Tully, Executive Director (Research and Education), worked closely with Sir David on a number of pro-life political campaigns for many years. She said: “I can remember Sir David as a young MP in the House of Commons. He was always willing to do whatever he could for SPUC, for example, tabling Parliamentary Questions on our behalf.
“During a long career as an MP, Sir David was a stalwart pro-life voter and never reneged on his deeply held views on abortion.”
Sir David’s voting record in Parliament demonstrates his commitment to the pro-life cause. He voted pro-life in 19 of the 20 votes on life issues such as abortion and euthanasia between 2007 and 2021.
He was a devout Catholic and a father of four daughters and one son. He had been an MP for almost 40 years, spending his entire political career as a Conservative backbencher, focussing on the needs of his constituency.
SPUC’s Mrs. Tully said: “I have a particular memory, from many years ago, of being part of a studio audience during a live television debate which included a discussion on whether disabled unborn babies should be screened and then aborted. A young Sir David gave a passionate response upholding the right to life of unborn disabled children.
“Sir David was often willing to engage with SPUC's activities. In 2014, at very short notice he joined us to present a SPUC petition opposing the promotion of pornography in schools, to the Department of Education.”
A man named Ali Harbi Ali has been arrested under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of the murder of Sir David.