PM reflects on Everard's 'turning point' death

The prime minister has paid tribute to Sarah Everard following the fifth anniversary of her murder, recalling his remarks at the time that her death "had to be a turning point" in tackling violence against women and girls.

Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons he remained committed to halving violence against women and girls.

Everard, 33, was raped and killed by serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens in south London on 3 March 2021.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir said: "We are acting in our schools, our police forces, online and offline, to keep women and girls safe, to prevent boys and men becoming abusers and supporting victims to get justice and closure."

Sir Keir added: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of Sarah Everard on this very painful anniversary."

Everard had been walking home from a friend's house when she was abducted by Couzens after he tricked her into believing she could be arrested for breaking Covid lockdown rules.

He was given a whole-life jail term at the Old Bailey in September 2021.

The prime minister's remarks follow a vigil held on Clapham Common, near where Everard was abducted, on Tuesday evening.

Klara Fine, 29, who works at the events organiser Best of Clapham, said much more needed to be done "on a national level", particularly in schools.

"At the moment, it just feels like it's smaller communities who are providing safe spaces and supporting each other, and charities, and it's just really not good enough," she said.

The commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has said he understands why some women still do not trust the force.

Sir Mark Rowley told the BBC that "several ghastly cases of police officers committing awful offences against women" had inevitably damaged confidence.

He said more women were reporting allegations, but warned that rebuilding trust in London would take time.

"I can give the reassurance that we're doing everything possible to avoid people who are a risk to anybody – women and children or otherwise – joining the organisation or staying in this organisation," he said.

Sir Mark said 1,500 people had been "rooted out" since 2022, including many for inappropriate behaviour towards women.

Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi urged the government to make it mandatory for all police forces in England and Wales to adopt a declarable association policy.

Her draft legislation would require officers to declare any past or present membership of "any organisation with confidential membership, hierarchical structures, and an expectation that members support and protect one another".

The Metropolitan Police was the first force to require such declarations, including involvement with the Freemasons.

Everard's mother, Susan Everard, wrote a tribute piece for British Vogue celebrating her daughter's life.

"She was interested in the world around her and made the most of life," she wrote. "There was a depth to her, she led her life with decency and integrity.

"I miss the goodness of Sarah: she was thoughtful and dependable and highly principled."

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