David Amess suspect pleads not guilty

Southend was made a city in Sir David's memory after he campaigned for this for many years. (Photo: David Amess)

The suspect in the killing of MP Sir David Amess has pleaded not guilty to his murder. 

Ali Harbi Ali, 25, appeared at the Old Bailey in London on Tuesday for a pre-trial hearing.

He denied murdering the Conservative MP on 15 October. 

He also pleaded not guilty to preparing acts of terrorism between May 2019 and September 2021.

At the end of Tuesday's hearing, Ali was remanded in custody until his trial commences in March 2022.

Sir David, 69, was stabbed to death while holding a constituency surgery at a Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea. 

He had been an MP since 1983, and MP for Southend West from 1997 until his death this year. 

Prior to that, he had served as MP for Basildon. 

The father-of-five was also a devout Catholic and pro-life advocate.

His death was met by an outpouring of grief, with tributes paid to him from across the political spectrum. 

The Catholic Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols said his murder was "an attack on our democratic process and traditions". 

In a message after Sir David's death, the Pope praised his "devoted public service" and appealed to people to "reject the ways of violence". 

News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.