Justice for Sharlotte-Sky Naglis has moved a significant step closer following confirmation
that Sharlotte’s Law has been included in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, ahead of
a formal public consultation.
Sharlotte’s Law is rooted in Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove and was driven by a local
family’s bravery and determination to prevent others from suffering the same injustice. It is
named in memory of Sharlotte‑Sky Naglis, who was just six years old when she was tragically
killed in a road collision in Norton Green in June 2021.
The driver responsible was later found to be speeding, over the drink-drive limit and under
the influence of drugs. However, under current law, while police are permitted to take a
blood sample following a fatal collision, they cannot test it without the suspect’s consent.
In Sharlotte’s case, this legal loophole led to months of delay and additional trauma for her
mother, Claire, and her family.
Sharlotte’s Law would remove the requirement for a suspect’s consent to test blood
samples in cases involving death by motor vehicle, ensuring that vital evidence can be
analysed promptly and that families are not left waiting for answers during critical
investigations. The Government’s Road Safety Strategy, which includes Sharlotte’s Law, will
now be subject to public consultation. This process will allow families, professionals, and
the wider public to shape the final strategy before it is taken forward.
David Williams, Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove, is now urging
local residents to take part in the consultation and formally register their support.
“Getting Sharlotte’s Law into the Government’s Road Safety Strategy is a powerful moment
for everyone who has worked so hard to get us to this point, especially Claire and her family.
This progress is down to their incredibly brave and determined campaigning. At the very
worst moment of their lives, they chose not only to fight for justice for Sharlotte, but to
protect other families from going through the same trauma. Claire’s courage has driven this
campaign forward and deserves to be recognised.
“When I was elected last year, I made a promise to Claire that pressing for Sharlotte’s Law
would be a priority for me. In Parliament, I have met regularly with ministers, officials and
campaigners to make the case for a change in the law, so no family goes through the anguish
and pain that Sharlotte’s family endured.
“This shows our campaigning has been heard and that the case for change is being taken
seriously. Now is the moment for the wider community to make its voice heard. The
consultation gives people the opportunity to help ensure this change is carried through, so
families are better protected in the future.”
Claire Reynolds, mother of Sharlotte-Sky Naglis has shared her reaction:
“I want to thank David and everyone that has believed in this law and what it can do for
families going forward.
“I am overwhelmed with the support and backing this has got from the government, it’s
amazing to have people believe in Sharlotte’s Law and how this law will change families’
lives.
“We still have a way to go but this is a massive step to get us closer to making it happen.”
Sharlotte’s Law has already received widespread backing from road safety charities,
campaign groups, local authorities and police representatives, alongside thousands of
members of the public through petitions and campaigns.
The consultation now enables residents across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and beyond to
show their support for Sharlotte’s Law, so that the voices of families and communities are
reflected in the final Road Safety Strategy.
Former Stoke on Trent North M.P. Jonathan Gullis campaigned for Sharlotte’s Law before losing his seat at the last election, which David Williams M.P. for the same constituency has continued the fight to bring the law closer to being included in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy.
Leave a Reply