Labour to outline vision to protect women

Labour is preparing to heap pressure on Boris Johnson to act in the wake of the killing of Sarah Everard by pledging legislation to protect women and girls.

Sir Keir Starmer is planning to use what he believes is a watershed moment to press for the harassment of women on the street to become an offence in England and Wales and a lengthening of sentences for rapists and stalkers.

The Labour leader said in an interview published yesterday that it is “astonishing that in 2021 we do not have a comprehensive piece of legislation”.

The plan was seen as a challenge to the prime minister, who is yet to publish his strategy to tackle violence against women and girls.

Under Labour’s plans, the law would also end the injustice of lower sentences for domestic murders.

And it would introduce “whole life” sentences for anyone convicted of the abduction, sexual assault and murder of a stranger.

Labour was planning to set out further detail in the coming weeks, but one route for them would be to introduce the proposals in a Bill during an opposition day debate.

“This could be a chance to actually do something,” Sir Keir Starmer told the Sunday Times.

The prime minister’s own plans are expected by the end of the year.

Sir Keir Starmer.