The Foundations Campaigning so far....
Over the past 5 years family and friends of Megan have campaigned to help change the sentencing laws in the UK. Below have been some of the highlights of our campaigning so far.
Meeting the Deputy Prime Minister - April 2026
Key Westminster Talks Held on Domestic Homicide Sentencing and Post‑Release Controls
KW’s Carole Gould, Julie Devey and I met at Westminster with Secretary of State for Justice David Lammy and Justice Minister Alex Davies‑Jones for a focused discussion on three key areas of our ongoing work.
1. Sentencing reform We reiterated our concerns that, despite repeated government commitments, sentencing outcomes in domestic homicide cases have not meaningfully changed. We stressed that when reforms are announced but not reflected in actual sentences, it undermines public confidence and signals symbolic politics rather than real progress.
2. Use of aggravating factors in domestic murder cases We raised the continued failure of courts to apply the four aggravating factors that KW fought to have included in sentencing guidelines:
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history of controlling or coercive behaviour
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sustained or excessive violence
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separation
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strangulation, suffocation or asphyxiation
We presented Lammy with a list of recent cases where these factors were present but had little or no impact on the minimum term, which remained around 15–16 years. We highlighted that judges continue to apply reductions for late guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions, even in the most serious cases. We made clear that this gap between the law and its application must be addressed urgently.
3. Restriction zones for offenders after release We discussed the Government’s plans for post‑release restriction zones for serious sexual and violent offenders. We urged Lammy to ensure the legislation explicitly includes murderers, so that victims and families can move freely without fear of encountering the offender.
Campaigning News - Thursday 13th March 2025
On 13th March, the article above was published in the Metro Newspaper. Although the interview took place a couple of months or so ago, the impact of the article went some way to show the government that we haven't gone away - we very much continue with the fight to get the sentencing guidance changed. We will continue to fight and to keep up the pressure on those in charge. You can read the full article here.
Why was my Daughter's murder treated less seriously? Because it happened in the Home!
International Women's Day 2025
Jess Phillips has now marked ten years of reading out the names of women killed by men in the House of Commons - a solemn act that continues to resonate across Parliament and beyond. This year, as we witnessed, she read out 95 names, taking over four minutes to do so, with many MPs standing in silence and visibly emotional.
It was another emotionally challenging day, with sadly lots more families in attendance., including Julie Devey OBE, (Poppy's mum), Carole Gould OBE (Ellie's mum), the family of Fawziyah Javad and Zara Aleena, to name just a few well known stories of murder, system failings and heart-breaking grief.
The event was followed by a reception for Killed Women, and their own tribute to the 95 names read out. In addition this year, a tribute was given to Chloe Holland because her name would never normally be read out on this list. Chloe is one of the many women who died from suicide, or in unclear, sinister and hidden circumstances where there is known to be a history of domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Whilst we wait for the Judicial Review into sentencing to take place, KW are creating awareness of "Hidden Homicides". This is a term that you will begin to hear regularly in the coming months as KW help to raise the profiles of such cases.
Blue and Black Plaque Campaign - September 2024
We were one of seven families taking part in the Blue & Black Plaque Campaign highlighting murders with Domestic Abuse. There have been many reports in the media, with interviews including both BBC and ITV and newspaper articles. We're pushing for the government to meet us to discuss the sentencing guidelines, and continue to put them under pressure to force them to make the change.
Reception with the New Labour Government
The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and the new Minister for Safeguarding Jess Phillips invited Killed Women to attend a reception on 31st July in London. It was an opportunity to hear that with everything the new government has on the agenda, that they have not forgotten us. Although no timeframes were indicates - we watch this space and will wait, but not for too long - Ministers be warned!
BBC News
We joined MP Jess Phillips in Parliament for the annual reading of the list of women killed by men in the past year. The MP became emotional as she looked up to the Public Gallery and saw the families of Killed Women standing as a mark of respect, whilst the names were read out.
ITVX
With Julie Devey and Carole Gould, Elaine took part in an interview with Julie Etchingham to discuss the change needed in the sentencing rules for fatal domestic attacks.
Warning: Contains Graphic and Distressing descriptions which you may find upsetting
Killed Women
Elaine joined mums Julie Devey and Carole Gould from Killed Women to create a video in response to the Ministry of Justice's consultation with the Public around reforms to the Sentencing Guidance for Murder.
Warning: Contains Graphic and Distressing descriptions which you may find upsetting.
