AN East Lancashire Liberal Democrat MP is one of 18 MPs calling for the government to protect the right of private individuals to take out prosecutions in the courts.

Gordon Birtwistle, of Burnley, has signed a Westminster motion which reads: “We note at times the police and public servants are prosecuted for perjury and other offences in private prosecutions.

“We believe having the facility for a private prosecution is an important safeguard when the prosecutors refuse to prosecute.”