McCanns gain MEP alert support

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In the 36 hours since the start of their visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, another 72 Euro MPs signed up to their campaign, said the McCanns' spokesman.

However, in what could be a critically important development, the couple have also been told that the parliament's president is set to give them more time to secure the support required.

Gerry and Kate McCann need the signatures of 393 members - that is more than half the total number - by July 24 to see a written declaration of the cross-border alert published and sent to the European Commission President.

A signed declaration carries no legal weight but suggests a political will to see such a scheme implemented.

The McCanns launched their drive for the US-style Amber Alert in Brussels in April, but travelled to Strasbourg needing another 182 members' signatures.

Officials said they had received a modest 15 additional names by the end of their day-long visit.

But the Leicestershire couple's gruelling series of meetings with leading MEPs throughout the day appears to have paid off with a surge of support.

They needed another 110 MEPs to sign the declaration with the prospect of extra weeks to secure the necessary signatures.

The McCanns' spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said: "We are keen to get the number by the end of July but we are extremely encouraged by the number of MEPs who have signed it. The hard work will continue until we get the required 110 signatures, but there's the possibility of the period being extended under European Parliament rules and that's a major boost."