Statement on the Sentencing of Sara Sharif's Father and Stepmother

The sentencing of Sara Sharif’s father and stepmother for the horrific murder of their daughter is a moment of justice, but no sentence can truly bring back Sara. The cruelty she suffered was appalling, heartbreaking, and vile. While I cannot say if 40 or 33 years is enough, I believe they deserve the maximum punishment for their actions.

I agree with the judge today in highlighting the dangers of home-schooling for vulnerable children. This case exposes a fundamental breakdown in the systems meant to protect children like Sara. We need an immediate inquest into this tragedy to fully understand how this failure occurred and ensure lessons are learned.

I also fully support the Children’s Wellbeing Bill and, alongside my fellow Liberal Democrat MPs, will scrutinise it every step of the way to ensure such horrors are never repeated.

We owe it to Sara’s memory and every child to make sure no child ever faces this danger again.