Sarah Everard case plea hearing – Nick Thomas-Symonds responds

“The thoughts of everyone in the Labour Party are with Sarah Everard’s family, friends and loved ones. This was a truly horrific murder, rape and kidnapping and we hope now that the sentence can be passed swiftly.

“Society puts huge trust in the Police to keep us safe and the vast majority of Officers who serve their communities so bravely who will all be appalled by this case. It is absolutely vital that everything possibly is done to ensure this can never happen again.

“The Metropolitan Police and wider policing must look at vetting processes and their own safeguarding systems to ensure people who pose a threat to the public are not able to hold such vital positions of trust.”