Sir David Amess: Charity man
The Southend West MP was a passionate advocate for animal welfare
Last updated 24th May 2022
Southend is mourning the loss of one of its MPs.
Sir David Amess, who represented Southend West was stabbed to death as he led a constituency meeting in Leigh-on-Sea yesterday (15 October).
The 69-year-old was very much known in his constituency, getting heavily involved in events and charities.
Passionate about animal welfare, Sir David was a Board Member for the All Party Group for Animal Welfare in the House of Commons and was also a Patron of the RSPCA Essex South Organisation.
David Bowles from the RSPCA, knew Sir David for 30 years. He said:
"Animal welfare was one of his main issues, and he didn't sway on that in the 38 years he was an MP.
"One of his proudest moments, was when he piloted a Private Members Bill through the House of Commons to stop the cruel tethering of horses."
Sir David introduced his own Ten-Minute Rule Bill, the Pig Husbandry (Farrowing) Bill, in March this year aiming to end farrowing crates for sows. The Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare specifically referenced farrowing crates and said it would examine their use in farming.
Mr Bowles said:
"I know he wanted to see that through and for that to become legislation and I hope that will be one of his legacies."
More recently, he backed another Bill to end cages for laying hens.
He was also a big dog lover, regularly featuring Dog of the Day on his Twitter feed.
He worked with Dogs Trust to find new and loving home for dogs.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust said:
"We are devastated to hear of the death of Sir David.
"He was a huge dog lover and always supported our work - most recently as a key member of our Puppy Smuggling Taskforce, supporting our campaign to end the cruel puppy smuggling trade.
"Sir David regularly attended our events, entering his beloved dogs into our Westminster Dog of the Year competition.
"He also visited and championed his local Dogs Trust rescue centre in Basildon.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and the community he served as their MP.
"Thank you, Sir David, for caring and for making a difference to the lives of dogs here in the UK."
Just ten days ago (6 October), Sir David met with representatives from Alzheimer’s Society to back their Cure the Care System campaign, which envisions a future where people affected by dementia are able to live the life they want, with greater independence, choice and control.
Speaking at the time, Sir David said:
“It was great to meet with Alzheimer’s Society at Conservative Party Conference this year. I will continue working with them on their campaign to ensure that social care reforms brought forward by Government meet the needs of the 2,820 people living with dementia in Southend-on-Sea, which is projected to rise to 3,760 by 2030.”
And at the Conservative Party Conference, Sir David met with Macmillan Cancer Nurse Specialist, who were promoting their new nursing campaign, which aims to double the number of cancer nurses by 2030.
Sir David said of the meeting:
"With 1 in 2 people being diagnosed with cancer within their lifetime, it is imperative that cancer nurses have the full support of the Government. The Conservatives will ensure that the NHS grows back stronger after the pandemic, allowing every person diagnosed with cancer the care they need and deserve.
I was delighted to meet with Macmillan nurses at conference, who do a stellar job in caring for patients of all ages. We discussed what cancer nursing would need to build back better and be fully equipped to cope with rising numbers of cancer diagnoses in Southend and across the Country.
It was great to support this fantastic charity at Conference, and I am proud to support their cause.”
Sir David championed women's health, particularly endometriosis, for which he chaired the The All-Party Parliamentary Group on the matter and raised the issue countless times in Parliament.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Endometriosis UK said:
"Everyone at Endometriosis UK is devastated at the news of the death Sir David Amess MP.
"Sir David worked tirelessly to raise awareness and improve services for those affected by endometriosis, including as chair of the APPG on Endometriosis.
"His support was key to ensuring an increased public awareness and understanding of the condition in recent years.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time."
Sir David was also closely involved with schools within his Southend West constituency.
Headmaster at Westcliff High School for Boys, Mike Skelly said:
"He would visit us on regular occasions. He would come in and and talk to the politics students, he'd arrange for them to go up and visit Westminster, but he'd also come in and speak to the students about making a positive contribution to the community - that was very close to his heart as well.
"Sir David was absolutely relentless in looking out for his constituents. He was passionate about education and he would regularly attend school events, be that music, drama and he would take time to engage with the students and make them feel special.
"He was a wonderful man."
Sir David was also passionate about gaining city status for Southend, helping to launch a campaign last month when he said:
"Southend ticks all the right boxes, with the right population. We have a wonderful range of services, the longest pier in the world and the best fish and chips! Yes, Southend should already be a city."
The Prime Minister has described Sir David as one of the "kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics" - while the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge say they're "shocked and saddened" by his death.