PM backs Brick by Brick as he recalls nurse knife horror

The prime minister has recalled the murder of a woman who was stabbed 71 times by her abusive ex-partner as he gave his personal backing to The Independent’s Brick by Brick campaign to build a refuge for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

- KATE GILL

In an exclusive interview, Sir Keir Starmer vowed that he and his cabinet would donate to the campaign, which aims to raise £300,000 to build a safe haven for women and their children.

He cited the case of Jane Clough, a nurse killed by her expartner after he was let out of prison on bail against the family’s wishes. Sir Keir met her parents while working as the director of public prosecutions (DPP).

“Jane was left living in fear he would hurt her again,” he told The Independent. “Day after day, she took care not to travel to work alone. The one morning she didn’t, he was waiting for her in a hospital car park. He stabbed her 71 times.

“I’ve seen so many families torn apart, and so many lives destroyed, by domestic abuse. That’s why I’m determined that those at risk should have more support, places they can feel safe, and be able to access the services they need to rebuild their lives. And it’s why I am so pleased to back The Independent’s Brick By Brick campaign to support victims of domestic abuse. I don’t only support the campaign, but I want the campaign to go on and get bigger.”

The Independent has teamed up with domestic abuse charity Refuge and has already raised £130,000 of the £300,000 target, which will create a safe space for women, their children and any

pets. Each £15 donation buys a brick, and work has already started on the foundations, thanks to generous readers.