A NORTH-EAST Euro MP has backed moves to grant protection to victims of stalking all across Europe.

Anyone offered protection after suffering stalking, harassment or gender-based violence will be protected throughout the EU, according to new rules approved by Euro MPs yesterday (Wednesday May 22).

Victims granted protection in one EU member state will now automatically receive the same protection if they move to another EU country.

North East MEP and Labour member Stephen Hughes backed the move.

He said: “We are all too familiar with the statistics on domestic abuse in the UK. One in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime.

“One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute and on average, two women a week are killed by a current or former male partner.

“Behind these statistics are real women and children suffering the huge impacts of domestic abuse.

“With over one million British citizens living in other European countries it is vital that we are able to respond to the threat of domestic abuse across European borders.”