Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the Government defeat in the Lords on stalking, said:

“This defeat for the Government shows it must change course and think again about tomorrow’s Bill, which is essentially an Abusers’ Charter.

“What is needed now is vital new measures on violence against women and girls, such as action on harassment, domestic homicide sentencing and more support for victims of rape. Failure to do so will let down women.”