Prime Minister Seeks ‘Clarity’ Following Sara Sharif’s Murder

The prime minister has requested “clarity” concerning reforms to children’s social care, prompted by the “harrowing” killing of 10-year-old Sara Sharif. Sara’s severely injured body was found at her family residence in Woking, Surrey, last year. Her family had removed her from school despite educators observing marks on her face and reporting their concerns to social services. Mr Justice Cavanagh stated on Tuesday, during the sentencing of her father, Urfan Sharif, 43, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30, to life in prison, that home schooling allowed the abuse to persist “beyond the gaze of the authorities.” During Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons on Wednesday, Sir Keir pledged to inform MPs about the measures being implemented to “learn those lessons” from her demise. Woking MP Will Forster addressed MPs, stating: “I know the prime minister is aware of the case of my constituent Sara Sharif, who was brutally tortured and appallingly murdered by her father and her stepmother.” “I want Sara’s legacy to be one where she is the last vulnerable child to be killed by people that should have looked after her.” “Will the prime minister ensure that an independent inquest and review is taken into Sara’s death and it’s held immediately in the new year so we can learn why public authorities failed, so we can ensure that it never happens again?” Sir Keir responded: “He rightly raises this absolutely harrowing case and it is important that all the lessons are learned.” “There is an independent process going on but we must be clear about overhauling children’s social care to keep young people safe and looking again about the framework for home schooling amongst other things.” “So we need to learn those lessons. We are taking steps. “There is a process going on at the moment and I’ll update the House in due course.”” For updates, follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. This content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.