URGENT UPDATE: During Thursday’s live broadcast of Good Morning Britain, presenter Susanna Reid delivered a heartfelt tribute to Baroness Helen Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, who has sadly passed away at the age of 63. The news follows a brief illness and is a significant loss for advocates of crime victims.
Just moments before concluding the segment, Reid emphasized Newlove’s profound impact, stating, “Baroness Newlove, the victims’ commissioner, did so much for those without a voice who are victims of crime.” The announcement comes just days after colleague Ranvir Singh interrupted the program with breaking news earlier this week.
Baroness Newlove’s journey was marked by her personal tragedy when her husband was murdered by a gang of teenagers. She dedicated her life to helping victims navigate the criminal justice system, earning her the role of victims’ commissioner twice due to her exceptional advocacy.
In an emotional exchange, guest Baroness Ayesha Yousef Hazarika reflected on Newlove’s legacy, calling her “a brave, principled, and determined woman.” She added, “What was so great about Baroness Newlove is that she always spoke for the victims and reached out to everybody.” The loss has resonated deeply within the community, with many recognizing her as a strong voice for those affected by crime.
“We send our love to her family,” Susanna Reid concluded, highlighting the personal impact of this tragic news.
The official statement from the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner confirmed the news, expressing: “We are deeply saddened to share that Baroness Helen Newlove has passed away. Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.” They described her as a “committed and passionate advocate for victims,” emphasizing her dedication to ensuring that all victims were treated with “compassion, decency, and respect.”
Following her passing, tributes have poured in from prominent figures, including Justice Secretary David Lammy, who praised her as “an extraordinary public servant.” Former Prime Minister David Cameron also expressed his condolences, stating, “Helen was wonderful, warm, brave, and plain speaking,” and noted her remarkable transformation of personal tragedy into dedicated public service.
Baroness Newlove leaves behind her husband, Paul, and daughters Zoe, Danielle, and Amy, who will carry on her legacy of advocacy for victims of crime. Cameron concluded his tribute with heartfelt thoughts for her family, underscoring the profound impact she had on many lives.
This developing story continues to gather attention, as tributes and remembrances flow from across the political spectrum. Good Morning Britain is available for viewing on ITVX, where viewers can see the full tribute and the emotional discussions that followed.
