In response to criticism from other Labour members, including Liverpool Wavertree MP Luciana Berger, who asked why the government had not yet acted after two years in power, the secretary of state said that "it would have been nice have a bit more cross-party support" on the issue.

BBC: MP: Police 'feel powerless' on dangerous dogs

Luciana Berger, Labour MP for Liverpool and Wavertree, said 11 people had died from dog attacks since 2006, and about 5, 000 people were hospitalised each year.

BBC: Adjournment debate

He recently announced he would stand as an independent candidate for re-election in May for Liverpool's Wavertree ward.

BBC: Warren Bradley: Ex-Liverpool leader faces perjury charge