A Bradford MP has vowed to ignore any allegations of racism and Islamophobia as she takes her campaign to put an end to "evil" forced marriages to Home Secretary John Reid.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer tabled an early day motion demanding the Government take action to end the "rape and false imprisonment" of women and girls, and make forced marriage a criminal offence.

She has now gained support from 75 cross party MPs and said it was time to step up the fight and show Dr Reid how strong support is for a change in law.

She said: "We have strong support to make this evil crime a criminal offence. It is about examining the rights of women and girls.

"We should not take any notice of name calling if we are accused of being racist or Islamophobic - we are trying to protect our young women citizens as we would if they were white. I want the best for my constituents and all women.

"I tried to gauge support with the motion and then go back to John and say I did not approach anyone, this is something people want'."

Mrs Cryer has been campaigning for years to introduce a new law.

She believes Article 12 of the European Convention on Human Right is being breached daily and the Government must legislate to "deter those contemplating the procurement of this unIslamic and inhuman act."

In June the Home Office shelved plans for the offence saying it was not in the "best interest of victims."

But last month Tony Blair gave his strongest hint yet that the work of Mrs Cryer is paying off signalling the Government could re-examine its position on forced marriages.

And in a further boost to her campaign the powerful Home Affairs select committee will also spend a session debating the proposals to introduce a law, after lobbying from Mrs Cryer.

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