Dominic Raab told the dad of murdered two-year-old James Bulger that killer Jon Venables doesn't deserve to be freed.
Ralph Bulger, 56, said the justice secretary's position came as a comfort as he continues his campaign to keep the 40-year-old Venables in jail.
Venables is due to go back before a parole board to try and campaign for his release after being in and out of prison ever since the brutal torture and murder of James in February 1993.
