David Amess murder: Ali Harbi Ali pleads not guilty to killing Conservative MP

Sir David Amess was killed while he was at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in October

The man accused of murdering Conservative MP Sir David Amess has pleaded not guilty and is now due to stand trial next year. Ali Harbi Ali also denied a charge of preparing acts of terrorism between 1 May 2019 and September this year, after appearing in court on Tuesday. A provisional trial date has been set for 7 March 2022. Ali is accused of stabbing Sir David to death while he was at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on October 15. Sir David, the MP for Southend West since 1983, was holding a surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church when he was attacked shortly after midday. He died at the scene. The 69-year-old was married and had four daughters and a son. Related links:

• Tory MP Mark Francois gives tearful tribute to his best friend Sir David Amess
• Sir David Amess: Southend to get city status in honour of MP
• Sir David Amess: Suspect named as police hold him under Terrorism Act