Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to ensure that investigations take place into the colleagues of the killer of Sarah Everard, who were reportedly aware of previous allegations against him.

The Home Secretary has announced a two part inquiry to investigate the issues raised by the conviction of Wayne Couzens for the death of Sarah Everard. Part one will examine Couzens’ previous behaviour and establish a comprehensive account of his conduct leading up to his conviction, as well as any opportunities missed, drawing on the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s (IOPC) investigations, once concluded. The full terms of reference for Part 1 of the Inquiry will be published as soon as possible.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is also investigating various matters in connection with Couzens – including possible failings in relation to previous investigations. They are looking at separate cases which include investigations into Kent’s Police handling of an incident involving him in 2015, and the Met Police’s response to reports of a criminal offence involving Couzens on 28 February 2021. The IOPC provides public updates on its investigations via its website.