Payne family praises public support for 'Sarah's Law'

The parents of murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne have thanked the public for supporting the campaign for a change in the law on paedophiles.

The parents of murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne have thanked the public for supporting the campaign for a change in the law on paedophiles.

Michael and Sara Payne were visiting the offices of the News of the World in Wapping, London, to discuss the paper's campaign for 'Sarah's Law'.

Mrs Payne said: "The public have done this. They should be very proud of themselves. Sarah's Law will never bring Sarah back but this will give parents back their power."

Their visit comes the day after the paper suspended its controversial policy of "naming and shaming" child sex offenders after reaching an agreement with police and other agencies to forge ahead with demands for a change in the law.

The Paynes met staff at the paper at noon today to talk about its campaign for a change in the law to allow parents controlled access to information about paedophiles.

The Government has said it will consider changing the law. A Home Office statement said: "The Sarah's Law Campaign proposals make an important contribution to the debate and demand very serious consideration. This the Government will do urgently."

Managing editor of News of the World, Stuart Kuttner, said: "What we have done is trigger enormous public support. I do not believe anyone has a right to a greater say in this debate than Sara and Michael Payne."

But former Home Secretary Michael Howard warned there was a danger a public register of paedophiles could increase risks to children.