Member

I turn to Amendments 82, 83 and 86 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Russell. I start by thanking the noble Lord and representatives of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s office for meeting me and officials before Christmas. I also thank the noble Baroness, Lady May. A number of years ago, I remember sitting in her office in No. 10 when I was part of her business council. That was the first time I realised that if you want to get things changed, you have to get involved in the way government works—hence I am here. At the excellent suggestion of the noble Lord, Lord Russell, the Government will work with him and the commissioner to update guidance and training for the staff who work with domestic abuse offenders. I am extremely grateful that we will be able to call on their expertise. I hope this also reassures the noble Baronesses, Lady May and Lady Chisholm, of our clear commitment to accepting expertise on this issue. Having run a business for many years, I am well aware of how important training of staff is and getting in the experts when you do not have those skills yourself.