A review published today revealed that the decision to close the case of Ali Harbi Ali, who murdered Conservative MP David Amess in 2021, was made too quickly and without thorough evaluation.

The review found critical errors in how the Prevent counter-terrorism programme handled Ali's case, including premature assessments and inadequate record-keeping.

Ali was referred to the Prevent programme in 2014 due to concerns about his interest in violent Islamism, but his case was closed in 2016 after being deemed low risk.

Despite being referred to Prevent seven years prior to the murder, Ali's case closure occurred just five years later, raising serious questions about the decision-making process.

The review emphasized the need for better communication between police and local authorities, highlighting problematic assessments regarding Ali's vulnerabilities.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis noted that the review identified flaws in the decision-making process that led to Ali's exit from the Prevent programme.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes acknowledged improvements made since the attack and stressed the importance of learning from these failures.

After his case was closed, Ali consumed Islamic State propaganda and ultimately stabbed Amess 21 times during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea.

Amess's widow, Lady Amess, has called for a public inquiry into the failures of Prevent, expressing dissatisfaction with the government's refusal to grant one.

In light of the review, the Home Secretary has requested updates from Essex Police's Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner regarding the investigation process.

Katie Amess, David Amess's daughter, expressed disappointment over the government's inaction, pointing out similar issues in another case involving the Southport killer.

Concerns raised by the Amess family regarding the handling of Ali's case by Essex Police have prompted an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).