Madeleine family 'heartened by govt support'

Relatives of missing Madeleine McCann today said they were “heartened” by all the support they have received from the British government.

Philomena McCann, the four-year-old’s aunt, met British Chancellor Gordon Brown and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, as well as a raft of other MPs when she lobbied Parliament today.

Many of the politicians wore yellow ribbons in support of the little girl’s family.

Ms McCann said she had been given some useful advice and was delighted by the attention Madeleine’s case received.

She said: “Personally I am heartened by the support I have received today in Parliament.

“There have been lots of suggestions from the top to some of the lesser but as much appreciated individuals in the Parliament.

“The Chancellor gave me some moral support and advice which I would firstly like to share with my brother before I share it with the rest of the country.”

Ms McCann was speaking outside Westminster, where she spent several hours in talks and observed Prime Minister’s Questions.

She said her brother Gerry and sister-in-law Kate will be pleased that the British Parliament has been so supportive.

Asked if she was still optimistic, she insisted that all the evidence suggested Madeleine might still be alive.

She went on: “Madeleine is a beautiful, caring little girl. I can totally understand why someone might take her – but give her back, she is not yours.”

Several MPs murmured in agreement as she spoke.