A FULL inquiry is to be launched into the man who killed Sarah Everard, the Home Secretary has announced. 

Priti Patel said there would be an investigation into Wayne Couzens following his conviction for the rape and murder of Ms Everard in London last year. 

During her keynote address to the Conservative Party conference, Ms Patel also vowed to ‘redouble’ her efforts to protect women and girls, following the 33-year-old’s death.

The Home Secretary told delegates: “We need answers as to why this was allowed to happen.

“I can confirm today, there will be an inquiry, to give the independent oversight needed, to ensure something like this can never happen again.”

Ms Patel described Mr Couzens as a “monster” and refused to name him during the speech. 

The inquiry will be split into two parts, with the first looking at Mr Couzens’ prior behaviour to form a “definitive account” of his conduct isn’t he lead up to Ms Everard’s murder, as well as looking at any opportunities that could have been missed to stop him. 

The second part will consider any specific issues raised in part one, which could include wider issues across policing such as vetting practices, professional standards and discipline, and workplace behaviour.

 

Ms Patel also pledged to increase sentences for people who enter the UK illegally, as part of plans for a “one stop shop” to crack down on small boat crossings over the Channel. 

She said that for the first time “how somebody arrives in the United Kingdom will impact on how their asylum claim is processed.” 

The Home Secretary added: “Our new laws will speed up the removal of those with no legal right to be in our country.”

She added that there was “no reason” for asylum seekers to travel to the UK from France, saying: “France is a safe country, one not riven by war or conflict.” 

She said the Government will draw up new tactics to prevent people from crossing the channel, be said The Labour Party did not care about uncontrolled immigration.

Ms Patel continued: “I make no apology for securing our borders and exploring all possible options to save lives by ending these horrific journeys.”

“Boris and I have worked intensively with every institution with a responsibility to protect our Borders – Border Force, the police, the National Crime Agency, maritime experts, and yes the military, to deliver operational solutions including new sea tactics which we are working to implement to turn back the boats.”