The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have demanded a high-level meeting with Gordon Brown amid fears the Government has abandoned their case, it emerged today. Kate and Gerry reportedly made a desperate plea to the PM to arrange a private summit with their legal team and wealthy benefactors two weeks ago.
But the request is said to have been turned down by Number 10 who will only offer the McCanns a low-level consular meeting.
While Kate and Gerry, both 39, had no plans to attend the talks, their lawyers Kingsley Napley and millionaire supporters Brian Kennedy, Sir Richard Branson and Stephen Winyard are apparently keen to update the PM on the strength of their defence. The couple's representatives, dubbed Team McCann, have also contacted the Foreign Office and the Home Office after growing concerns that the Government has turned its back on the family's plight.
After Madeleine's disappearance on May 3, Mr Brown pledged his support to the four-year-old's parents during a series of phone calls with Gerry. But as soon as the pair were named "arguidos" - official suspects - by Portuguese police on September 7 all lines of communication were closed.
Critics of the McCanns have accused them of manipulating their high profile to gain Government "protection". Last night a friend of the McCanns told the Sunday Express that Mr Brown had gone back on his promise to help them. (Daily Mail)
