THE under secretary for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability has moved to reassure a grieving dad the government “continues to keep under review” dangerous substances such as the one that killed his daughter.

Doug Shipsey accused the Home Office of systematic failures in the fight to control the everyday availability of 'diet drug' 2,4 Dinitrophenol (DNP).

The 53-year-old, of Warndon Villages, was angered after he was told by representatives of Worcester MP Robin Walker that the Home Office does not believe anything more can be done on a ministerial level to help his campaign.

Beth Shipsey, 21, suffered a cardiac arrest in February 2017 after taking the substance, often used as a slimming agent but which is actually a lethal poison and classified as an explosive under UN regulations.

READ MORE: Dad accuses Home Office of systematic failures in fight against 'diet drug' that killed daughter

Mr Shipsey believes a licence should be required to acquire or keep DNP.

He said the Home Office has failed to apply "appropriate and effective controls" on DNP as an explosive, a precursor and poison, "either under existing legislation" or under the EEPP listings, similar to TNT or Sulphuric Acid.

Parliamentary undersecretary of state for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability,Victoria Atkins MP, said she has the "deepest sympathy" for Mr Shipsey following the loss of his daughter.

"DNP is an extremely dangerous, toxic substance, which if consumed can lead to coma or death," she said.

"Supplying DNP and products containing the substance, for human consumption, is illegal under food law.

"The government continues to keep under review dangerous substances, such as DNP, to ensure appropriate regulation and controls are in place."

Ms Atkins added that a number of actions have been undertaken in relation to DNP by relevant agencies.

These include engaging with online marketplaces to discourage sale of the substance and issuing of notifications to NHS frontline staff to raise awareness of its dangers.

Next Tuesday, Mr Shipsey and his wife Carole Shipsey are going to London to meet the CEO and chair-person of the Food Standards Agency.

The family must also wait until at least spring 2020 before their challenge against Beth's inquest verdict of suicide can recommence at the High Court.