Yorkshire & Humber Labour MEP Richard Corbett has described the introduction of an EU-wide missing child alert system as "a matter of utmost urgency".
The Written Declaration 36/2008 on emergency cooperation in recovering missing children, supported by Gerry and Kate McCann, has now been signed by more than half the MEPs in the European Parliament and will be adopted as the Parliament's official position. It will now be considered by the European Commission and the Council of Ministers.
Speaking following the news, Richard said: "European countries must work together to introduce a common missing child alert system as a matter of utmost urgency.
"When a child is abducted, time is of the essence. The more time that passes before border and customs authorities, local police forces and the media are alerted about a missing child, the less chance there is of finding that child alive.
"It is therefore crucial to establish a missing child alert system that immediately forwards the details of the child's name, relevant information and contact details to these organisations."
- The European Parliament's Written Declarations are similar to Early Day Motions in the House of Commons. If over 50% of MEPs sign a Written Declaration this becomes the position of the house.
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