Deputy Labour leader and Leader of the Commons Harriet Harman has written to the sister of beaten footballer Robbie Hughes personally, to assure her her brother’s case is being treated “seriously”
by senior Government ministers.
Miss Harman told Alaina Hughes, 23, from Wallington, she had raised the issue with Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor Jack Straw.
Miss Harman said Mr Straw had instructed his officials to look into the case.
The response comes after Miss Hughes tackled Miss Harman at the union of shop, distributive and allied workers (USDAW) conference on April 28, over the lack of support for victims of violence.
The Hughes family are calling for more Government support for victims left in crisis in a foreign country after son Robbie, a former Sutton United and Croydon Athletic football player, was attacked in Malia, Crete, on June 17.
Miss Hughes said: “When I went to the conference I had no idea if I would be able to speak, but it was the love for my brother that made me get up and be heard.”
Miss Hughes said Miss Harman’s letter had given her “hope” victims’ families would be supported in future.
Her mother, Maggie Hughes, is currently in Greece where she hopes to meet the mayor of Malia to raise the profile of her growing campaign, which has already drawn support from Conservative leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg.
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