Mel B urged Sir Keir Starmer to make addressing domestic abuse one of his “national priorities” if he is elected Prime Minister.
After being challenged by the Spice Girl, a survivor of domestic violence who is advocating for change, the Labour leader pledged he will make the problem a priority.
Sir Keir said a ‘strong strand’ within his vow to ‘make Britain’s streets safe’ is fighting violence against women and girls.
This week, he revealed five missions to enhance the country, including ensuring high sustained growth and constructing a future-ready NHS.
But Mel B, who was on a panel with Sir Keir for Woman’s Aid, urged that he add a sixth aim – combating domestic abuse.
‘If you’re going to talk about your five main things you have to add another one on that is specifically domestic abuse,’ she said.
While the crowd laughed at her prolonged questioning, she said: ‘You may well laugh but I’m being bloody serious.
‘It needs to be a standalone thing that we get educated on from the ground up, inside out.’
Sir Keir stated that if he becomes Prime Minister, he will “certainly make it a priority,” but he did not commit to a sixth national mission.
He stated that ‘end-to-end transformation’ is required and that ‘tinkering about the margins won’t make a difference’.
Mel B, a patron of the Women’s Aid organisation, called Sir Keir a “huge admirer” and predicted that he would win the next general election.
However, she warned him: ‘Keir, I’m holding you to everything. I will come after you, I will.
‘For every survivor and everybody’s voice out there that can’t be heard I am their voice – so watch out. Because I really do like you.’
Mel’s statements come after she revealed that she had been in an abusive marriage for ten years with her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte, whom she divorced in 2017.
‘I ended up being in a really horrific abusive 10 year relationship,’ the singer admitted during a confessional on the season premiere of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Challenge last month.
‘I felt worthless, you feel helpless. I’m facing huge fears.’
Domestic abuse helpline
If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you cannot talk, dial 55 and the operator will respond.
For emotional support, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Alternatively, for practical and emotional support, please contact Women’s Aid Live Chat 10am – 6pm seven days a week.
You can also reach the National Centre for Domestic Violence on 0800 270 9070 or text NCDV to 60777.
For free and confidential advice and support for women in London affected by abuse, you can call Solace on 0808 802 5565 or email advice@solacewomensaid.org.
Male victims of domestic abuse can call 01823 334244 to speak to ManKind, an initiative available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.
Alternatively, the Men’s Advice Line can be reached at 0808 8010327, or emailed at info@mensadviceline.org.uk.
Source My Celebrity Life.