Thank you for contacting me about the release of Robert Brown from prison. I absolutely agree with you and I have written to the Secretary of State to raise these concerns directly.

I also understand that this is an incredibly sensitive topic and one of significant consequence.

Let me begin by expressing my sincere condolences to Joanna’s family and say that I join them in their campaign to stop Robert Brown’s release just 13 years after her killing. As you may be aware, the Justice Secretary has said he will review Robert Brown’s case in line with new powers allowing Ministers to block automatic releases.

More widely, I believe we need new measures to protect women and girls – with tougher sentences for domestic murder, proper steps introduced to monitor violent perpetrators, and a court system that is on the side of victims. I also support the creation of a domestic abuse register to make it easier for officials to track offenders.

I am very concerned that long-standing failings in the probation service threaten public safety because dangerous offenders are not being properly supervised on release from prison.

We cannot afford for our laws and their enforcement to send the signal that violence against women and girls will be tolerated. Please rest assured that I will continue to push for Government action to end violence against women and girls.