Murdered MP nominated for highest US civilian honour

A Conservative MP who was stabbed to death during a constituency surgery could be posthumously awarded America's highest civilian honour - the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Sir David Amess served as the MP for Basildon in Essex from 1983 to 1997 - and represented Southend West from 1997 until he was murdered by Ali Harbi Ali in 2021.

His name has been put forward for the prestigious honour by Southend resident, Karim Annabi.

According to presidential correspondence from February, the White House has acknowledged the nomination and is currently reviewing it.

James Courtenay, Southend Conservative group leader, said he "fully supports" the bid for the MP to be recognised on a global stage.

"Sir David gave his life doing what he loved – representing the people of Southend," he said.

"Recognition of his sacrifice internationally is something I fully support."

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, can be awarded posthumously and to non-US citizens.

Past recipients of the honour include former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, footballer Lionel Messi, U2 singer Bono, and actor Michael J. Fox.

Mr Annabi is said to have previously put Sir David's name forward during the Joe Biden administration, but received no reply.

Undeterred, he resubmitted the nomination under President Trump, and the White House confirmed it was being considered.

The nomination forms part of the Sir David Amess Peace Initiative, an international interfaith project created in memory of the late MP.

It aims to promote religious, racial and political unity while raising funds for causes championed by Sir David during his lifetime.

It has attracted support from global religious figures, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Rabbi David Rosen CBE, and the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Mr Annabi, who is a Muslim, said he was driven to put Sir David's name forward as a symbol of unity after being struck by his willingness to help constituents of all backgrounds.

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