Committee publication · Correspondence · 28 April 2026
Letter from the Home Secretary relating to a review into the death or Sir David Amess 24.03.2026
From: Home Affairs Committee
Summary
The Home Secretary announces the appointment of Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC as Independent Reviewer to conduct an overarching review into missed opportunities that could have prevented Sir David Amess's murder. The review will begin with engagement with the Amess family on Terms of Reference, with findings expected to address unanswered questions and inform counter-terrorism and protective security policy.
Key findings
- Sir Robert Buckland appointed as Independent Reviewer following commitment to Amess family made in March 2025
- Review will explore missed opportunities that could have prevented the murder of Sir David Amess
- First phase involves early engagement with the Amess family to establish proposed Terms of Reference
- Review aims to address unanswered questions and inform learning on protecting democracy and citizens from terrorism threat
Tone
ProceduralTopics
securitycounter-terrorismparliamentary-safetypublic-inquiries
Key actors
Shabana Mahmood, Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC, Lady Amess, Katie Amess, Sir David Amess, Home Affairs Select Committee
Notable line
“It is important that this Review seeks to address those questions that remain unanswered, and that we seek to learn all that we can when it comes to protecting our democracy and our citizens from the threat of terrorism.”
Key Quotes
“I have today appointed Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC as the Independent Reviewer. Sir Robert is universally respected and recognised both for his work as a KC and for his time in office as Secretary of State for Justice.”
“… the first phase of the Review will involve early engagement to seek their views on the proposed Terms of Reference.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗