The Conservative Government last night chose to vote down legislation establishing a register of serial and serious perpetrators of domestic abuse and stalking.

The register, which was backed by a motion to Oldham Council by Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Chris Gloster, would have meant active support for women at threat of violence from serial abusers.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said: “It is shameful that this amendment – and others aimed at protecting the safety of anyone who is the subject of domestic abuse – have been removed from the Bill. They received overwhelming support across the political spectrum when they were proposed in the House of Lords.

“The Domestic Abuse Bill will make a huge difference to many people’s lives, but there are opportunities to save people from violence that are being missed, and that is not good enough.”

The Bill also had amendments struck out which were designed to protect migrant women from the risk of violence.

Councillor Al-Hamdani added: “Whatever your views on immigration are, no-one can argue that women don’t deserve to be protected from violence and sexual abuse. This is the thick end of the wedge on the ‘hostile environment’ – it doesn’t stop at preventing those who abuse the system, it targets those who need help the most.

“This Conservative Government keeps saying that it is putting women’s safety first. It is not backing that up with action. It has been being said for over a hundred years, and it is sad that it still needs to be said: deeds not words.”