Child alert appeal "uses" McCann case

Calls for European child alert system: Madeleine McCann case highlighted as MSPS raise plight of missing youngsters. The case of missing youngster Madeleine McCann was highlighted yesterday by MSPs who called for a European alert system to help trace children who disappear. The Liberal Democrats yesterday raised the plight of such youngsters as they called for a European Amber Alert system to be brougth in across the continent. Some countries in Europe already operate a missing child hotline 116000, but this system is not currently operated in the UK. Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Robert Brown said the "golden standard" which should be adopted was the Amber Alert scheme, which has been running in America for the last seven years. He said in the most serious child abduction cases it meant an urgent bulletin was sent out. He explained: "An amber alert means that when a child is reported missing to the police, in a matter of minutes all police forces are alerted. TV and radio programmes are interrupted, pictures of the missing child flash up on screen". He added: Quite often all this activity is enough to compel the abductor to hand over the child". Labour MSP Paul Martin also backed a European Amber Alert scheme, saying there was no doubt it "genuinely would make a difference in protecting children from those who pose a threat". He added if it was introduced here "there is no doubt such a scheme would have save lives". Highlighting the American system, Conservative MSP John Lamont said early intervention is crucial but warned of growing concern that the US public is becoming desensitised because of false alarms. "Any similar system adopted in Europe or indeed Scotland should ensure that alerts are issued in the correct circumstances", he said. Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing said Scottish police forces are at an "advanced point" in developing a child rescue alert system. He told MSPs a Europe-wide hotline will shortly be tendered for operation across the UK.