More security for women: Johnson announces the first consequences of the murder case

Tuesday March 16, 2021

More security for women
Johnson announces the first episodes of the murder case

Since Sarah Everard's death in London, there has been a global debate about the safety of women in public spaces. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is now announcing the first consequences of the protests – among other things, street lighting and surveillance are to be improved.

After the killing of Sarah Everard, the British government wants to invest more money in surveillance cameras and better street lighting to increase the safety of women and girls in public. "We have to do everything we can to keep our roads safe," said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, announcing an increase in spending on better lighting and surveillance cameras to £ 45 million – reportedly a little more than one Doubling.

The case of the 33-year-old had sparked a debate in the UK and beyond about violence against women and their safety. In addition, Great Britain wants to use civilian police officers in bars and nightclubs in the future. The police in London are at the center of the criticism – on the one hand, the alleged murderer of Sarah Everard is himself a police officer, on the other hand, the role of the police in a vigil triggered massive protests last weekend. Images of women being forcibly removed and wrestled on the floor made the rounds on social media.

The arrested suspect in the Everard case is due to appear in court in London today. Sarah Everard disappeared without a trace in south London on the evening of March 3rd when she was walking home from a friend. It is believed that the suspect kidnapped and killed her on the way back from his shift. Meanwhile, her body was found in a wooded area in the southeastern English county of Kent.

A tightrope walk for Johnson

Afterwards, thousands reported on their fears on the way home in the evening on social networks. On Saturday, thousands – including Duchess Kate – laid flowers in South London's Clapham Common Park, where the 33-year-old was last seen. But in the evening the situation escalated: Because distance rules were disregarded, the police intervened, sometimes rude, and pictures of women handcuffed to the ground made the rounds.

For Johnson, the case has become a tightrope walk. After the partly violent dissolution of the vigil and in view of the impressive protest pictures in front of parliament, the head of government showed understanding for the anger of the demonstrators. At the same time, out of consideration for his conservative party friends, Johnson must not expose the police, which are already heavily burdened by the corona pandemic.