First of all, doesn’t Reese Witherspoon look pretty in these photos? Not the ones where she’s making a grumpy face, of course, but I’m just talking about her skin, hair and her figure. Whatever is happening in her personal life and her relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal, it’s working for her. Anyway, Reese is in London, giving testimony and interviews about her work on behalf of ending domestic violence, part of her work with Avon. These photos – of Reese wearing a really great red shift dress – are from Reese’s photocall before she gave the keynote speech at The House Of Commons conference on Domestic violence at the House of Commons today. It’s a great cause, and it’s wonderful that Reese is taking her advocacy work so seriously.

Unfortunately, her commitment has been overshadowed by a minor yet hilarious flub by the Prime Minister. Gordon Brown was asked about Reese’s work today, and he replied that he was “grateful that Renee Witherspoon is leading this campaign.” Mr. Brown met Renee Zellweger last year, when they attended director Anthony Minghella’s funeral. And I guess he thought he was meeting Renee again for the second time? I mean, I guess how a simple mix-up happened. They’re both blond, they both make romantic comedies and dramas, they’re both Oscar winners. Let me write Mr. Brown a memo: Renee = squinty, Reese = pointy chin. That should clear it up.

Leaving behind the chatter about her relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon tackled the topic of domestic violence in the U.K. this week.

Petitioning Members of Parliament and appearing on morning shows she asked people to speak out on an issue that affects one in three around the world.

“We are talking about everyone’s lives are touched by this issue, whether it be our children, or our mothers or our sisters. So many women. The most important thing I can do here today is start this dialogue that we’re having,” Witherspoon, 33, told the show GMTV.

Later, Witherspoon went to the historic Houses of Parliament, where she made a brief address and listened to testimonies of abuse.

“She looked quite emotional, she kept looking to the floor whilst she was listening to the other speakers,” an onlooker said “She seemed almost tearful.”

Witherspoon said she felt “more than a little overwhelmed to be here today.”

[From People]

Yea for Reese! It’s funny, I’ve never, ever had a problem with Reese’s name, and now that Gordon Brown has made that mistake, I keep wanting to type “Renee”. Maybe Renee and Reese should join forces and become “Renese”. With that squint and that chin, no romantic comedy would be safe! Seriously, though, I love Reese. I can’t get over how gorgeous she looks in these photos.