Baroness Helen Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner, has sadly passed away following a brief illness. Known for her fearless advocacy against antisocial behavior after her husband was tragically killed by hooligans in front of their family, she was celebrated as a champion of victims and witnesses’ rights.
Expressing deep sorrow, David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, lauded Baroness Newlove’s remarkable public service and unwavering commitment to justice. He described her as an individual defined by courage, compassion, and dedication.
In a heart-wrenching incident in 2007, Baroness Newlove’s husband Garry was fatally assaulted by a group of intoxicated youths while protecting their property in Padgate, Cheshire. This attack followed a series of harassment and vandalism towards their family.
Baroness Newlove, during an interview with The Mirror last year, emphasized the importance of victims feeling believed and heard, stating that justice for them is about being treated with dignity and respect. She highlighted the reluctance of many victims to report crimes due to feeling unheard.
After her husband’s death, she tirelessly campaigned against antisocial behavior and binge drinking. In 2010, she was appointed Government Champion for Active, Safer Communities, collaborating with local communities to enhance safety and address local issues. Additionally, she was nominated for a peerage in 2010 by then-PM David Cameron.
In 2021, Baroness Newlove assumed the role of Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, continuing her advocacy for victims. She previously served as Victims’ Commissioner from 2013 to 2019 and returned for a one-year term in October 2023 due to a vacancy.
David Cameron, the former PM who appointed Baroness Newlove as a peer, expressed deep sadness at her passing, praising her resilience and dedication to serving victims of crime.
Baroness Newlove’s office released a statement expressing profound sadness at her passing, highlighting her commitment to advocating for victims and transforming the role of Victims’ Commissioner into a strong voice for victims’ rights. Her legacy as a compassionate advocate and leader in victim support will be cherished.
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