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
Rapper Nicki Minaj speaks up for Nigeria's Christians amid relentless attacks
Rapper Nicki Minaj speaks up for Nigeria's Christians amid relentless attacks

“In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed," she said.

Marriage Foundation warns decline in weddings reflects lingering impact of Covid lockdowns
Marriage Foundation warns decline in weddings reflects lingering impact of Covid lockdowns

The Marriage Foundation has voiced concern over newly released figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which show a 9% fall in heterosexual marriages in England and Wales during 2023.

Scottish assisted dying Bill faces scrutiny from MSPs and medical groups
Scottish assisted dying Bill faces scrutiny from MSPs and medical groups

A contentious assisted dying bill being considered by Holyrood is facing mounting opposition as MSPs voice significant concerns about patient safety, human rights compliance, and supposed safeguards.

Three attacks in three days against Christians in Nigeria
Three attacks in three days against Christians in Nigeria

Christmas is coming, and with it the possibility of more massacres.