Death penalty call

Euro-MP Paul Nuttall

Local MEP Paul Nuttall is calling for the death penalty to be introduced for child murderers.

He also wants the punishment meted out to serial killers and those who murder police officers.

"It is time that those who commit such heinous crimes should face the ultimate sanction against them," said Mr Nuttall, UKIP Deputy Leader.

"We so recently had two women police officers blasted to death in Manchester and all our brave bobbies face similar risks every day. They deserve all the protection the State can provide and I believe that means the death penalty awaiting culprits.

"And the same should apply to those who murder children and for serial killers. We must lay down a mark in the sand beyond which the ultimate price must be paid by offenders.

"People have had more than enough of soft sentencing in this country and it must be made plain that crime will not be tolerated. That starts from low level anti-social behaviour, which needs to be dealt with firmly, and goes up to murder," he said.

Mr Nuttall added that while it is not UKIP policy to bring back the death penalty it is their policy to hold a referendum on such controversial issues which gain the support of 5% of the population.

"The Police Federation support introducing the death penalty for those who kill police officers and I back them in that aim," he said.