Trial of suspect in murder of David Amess begins

Sir David Amess was murdered during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea. (Photo: Parliament Live)

The alleged suspect in the murder of Catholic MP Sir David Amess is due to go on trial on Monday.

The trial of Ali Harbi Ali, 26, from north London, will take place over three weeks at the Old Bailey.

Ali denies fatally stabbing Sir David, the Conservative MP for Southend West, on October 15.

He also denies preparing for terrorist acts between May 1, 2019 and September 28, 2021.

Sir David died after being stabbed multiple times as he met members of the public inside a Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex.

Ali was detained in connection with the murder under terrorism legislation. 

He is accused of taking a train from London on the day of the attack and stabbing Sir David with a large knife inside Belfairs Methodist Church. 

Prosecutor Tom Little QC said: "As far as the Crown is concerned we are ready for the trial, having met the ambitious timetable on time."

News
Chin human rights group takes Myanmar junta to court over killings, rapes
Chin human rights group takes Myanmar junta to court over killings, rapes

The Chin have been badly treated throughout much of Myanmar's post-independence history.

Sir Brian Souter says the nation is 'seeing a rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity'
Sir Brian Souter says the nation is 'seeing a rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity'

Sir Brian Souter, the founder of Stagecoach and Megabus, has spoken candidly about the role of Christian faith in business and his view that Britain’s increasingly secular culture may be giving rise to a renewed and more authentic form of Christianity.

Report reveals religious and political shifts in UK
Report reveals religious and political shifts in UK

Faith identity and ideology "are assuming a more significant role in shaping political allegiance, civic participation, and the wider culture", a new report has found.

'Quiet revival' continues as Winchester sees Christmas surge
'Quiet revival' continues as Winchester sees Christmas surge

In some cases the numbers coming were double what was expected.