A MOVE to tackle human organ trafficking has been backed by North-East MEP Martin Callanan.

MEPs voted yesterday in Strasbourg on proposals aimed at addressing so called "transplant tourism", where European Union citizens travel abroad to donate and purchase organs.

The trade, which originates from Asia, is driven by a serious shortage of organ donors, which means many patients die before a suitable organ becomes available. In the UK, 400 people die a year while waiting for organ transplants.

Mr Callanan said: "There is growing concern that the gap between supply and demand of organs has fostered the birth of a lucrative but abhorrent trade in human organs.

"Two distinct aspects of this trade cause me particular concern.

"Firstly, the trafficking in human beings with a view to remove their organs, and secondly, the purchase of organs from donors in Third World countries by EU patients."

The Conservative MEP said that while surveys regularly showed the vast majority of people are willing to donate organs, only a small minority formally give their consent via a donor card.

For information on becoming a donor contact the UK Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400 or visit the website:

www.uktransplant.org.uk