Wayne Couzens: Downing Street backs calls to strip killer of remaining police pension

Downing Street has backed calls for killer Wayne Couzens to be stripped of his pension from his time in the civil nuclear police force.

The former armed officer, who murdered Sarah Everard in March 2021, has already had his pension from the Metropolitan Police taken away, but it was feared that he could still be in line to receive payments from his seven years at the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC).

London Mayor Sadiq Khan wrote to Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps asking for the benefit to be taken away, with the CNC itself backing the calls but stressing that the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority - that falls under Mr Shapps's government department - is the pensions administrator and responsible for making the decision.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said on Monday: "We fully support the recommendation of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary that he be stripped of his pension so he doesn't benefit from his years of serving.

"I think Grant Shapps, who is the relevant minister, is seeking an urgent update from the pensions administrator."

Couzens served in the CNC from 2011 to 2018, and it is thought could be in line for payments of around £7,000 per year.

He has already been stripped of his Metropolitan Police pension, after Mr Khan applied for its forfeiture in January.

Following his conviction for Miss Everard's murder, the CNC recommended that Couzens' pension should also be forfeited.

Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said: "The CNC is not the pensions authority or administrator of the pension scheme.

"On Couzens' conviction we made a formal recommendation that any pension entitlements arising from his CNC employment should be forfeited and our position remains unchanged."

Mr Khan said in his letter to Mr Shapps: "I seek your assurance that you will take all possible steps to ensure that Couzens is stripped of his pension.

"This is what the public would rightly expect."

The Energy Security Secretary said in response: "This horrendous crime shocked the nation and it is right this monster spends the rest of his life in a prison cell.

"I fully support the recommendation of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary that he be stripped of his pension so he does not benefit from his years serving, and I am seeking an urgent update on the matter from the pension administrator."