Sunak ignores Starmer when asked why mandatory police vetting not in place after Sarah Everard murder

Rishi Sunak dodged Sir Keir Starmer when he was asked why “mandatory national vetting standards are not already in place” for the police.

The Labour leader focused on policing failures during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday 6 March, in the wake of a report into Sarah Everard’s death.

“Serious failures in police vetting were raised in independent reports as long ago as 2012, 2019, 2022 and 2023. That is why has been arguing for mandatory national vetting standards,” Sir Keir said, before asking why they are not already in place.

Mr Sunak did not directly answer the question but said it is “vital” for public confidence that those who are not fit to wear the badge are not able to join in the first place.