ABI saddened at MP David Amess’ death

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The MP spoke at the ABI’s conference in June on fire safety

Conservative party MP and chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Fire Safety David Amess has passed away, aged 69.

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According to BBC News, father of five Amess was stabbed to death today (15 October 2021) as he met with constituents.

He served as a Conservative backbencher for nearly 40 years. He initially entered parliament in 1983 as an MP for Basildon, before becoming the MP for Southend West in 1997.

Amess gave a keynote speech at the ABI’s conference on 16 June 2021 about how the sustainable energy agenda posed a major challenge to fire safety.

James Dalton, the ABI’s director of general insurance policy, said: “Deeply saddened by the news about Sir David Amess. Sir David spoke at our Property Conference in June and he was a dedicated campaigner on fire safety.

“His engagement with [the] industry was highly valued and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

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Jason Groves, director of communications, international and head marketing UK and Ireland, at Marsh expressed his thoughts in a LinkedIn post, he said: “Amess was one of the most dedicated and nicest MP’s I’ve ever known. He quietly worked across the political spectrum on so many important issues including women’s health, animal welfare, inter-religious understanding and building bridges between politics and business.

“The size of his majorities was also a sign of how popular he was in his local community, which he served so diligently. My thought and prayers are with his family and staff. May he rest in peace.”

Groves served on the board of Industry and Parliament Trust which Amess chaired for two years.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Halkett, chief commercial officer at Bought by Many said on LinkedIn: ”Absolutely devastated that another serving MP has lost their life in such an awful, unforgivable way whilst talking to the public in their constituency. It rips at the very heart of our democracy. Mourning sir David Amess MP and remembering Jo Cox MP.”

Prime minister Boris Johnson said: “We’ve lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague, our thoughts today are very much with his wife, children and family.”