Watson - EU wide missing alert system essential

1.33.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 1st May 2008

Local Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, Graham Watson is supporting calls for the introduction of an EU missing alert system for children who are suspected of being abducted.

Speaking today, Graham Watson commented;

"A Europe wide scheme equivalent to the US "Amber Alert" system would undoubtedly save lives. The European Parliament's initiative on this is a good example of where a Europe wide-action could really add something. Increased cross border cooperation is essential in these cases."

Editors note:-

Graham Watson supports calls for a system which will immediately supply to relevant news media, border authorities, custom and law enforcement agencies, details of: the missing child, with a photograph if available; information relevant to the disappearance and/or the suspected abductor(s); and a telephone number to call with information.