Children’s Parliament event planned to mark Sir David Amess’ death

The Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament initiative is planning a special event in October to mark the first anniversary of the late Southend West MP’s death.

The organisers intend to bring together 650 would-be MPs aged seven to 11 for the occasion in Parliament, allowing children to take part in a commemorative debate in the Chamber, held one year after Sir David’s death.

New Southend West MP Anna Firth is also supporting the plan to launch a Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament All-Party Parliamentary Group. Talks are underway to set up the new cross-party group.

A second annual event was held online by the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament project in May, involving 250 primary school children. It was attended by Sir David’s successor Firth, alongside Conservative MPs David Davis and Sir Graham Brady.

Former Manchester Police detective Maggie Oliver, who campaigns for abuse victims, and reformed drug gang leader Lennox Rodgers joined as guest speakers.

“The consequences of grooming last a lifetime. We must equip young people with questioning minds,” Oliver said.

The virtual gathering was a collaboration between The Daily Express newspaper and digital companies Wakelet and Microsoft 365.

Sir David was murdered at his constituency surgery on 15 October 2021. His attacker was found guilty in April and sentenced to life in prison.