ONE of the region's MPs is pushing forward a Bill that would give people greater rights to defend their property against intruders.

Anne McIntosh, Conservative member for the Vale of York, will launch her campaign for her Private Member's Bill on Friday.

The Bill, which has cross-party support, has proposed an amendment to clarify the law so that criminal charges will only be brought against people using disproportionate force against intruders.

Miss Mcintosh said: "It is a clear matter of principle that people have the right to use reasonable force to defend their family and their property. In my view, this should not just apply to domestic but also to commercial property.

"The Bill I seek to introduce will clarify the law, restore the balance between victim, the property owner and the intruder. Innocent people will know that reasonable defence of their property will not put them at risk of criminal prosecution."

Miss McIntosh said her Bill was not an attempt to replicate the Oklahoma law, which indemnifies people from prosecution no matter what they do to an intruder.

The Bill would not give property owners the right to use disproportionate force against intruders. For example, shooting somebody in the back as they were fleeing would not be acceptable.

The Bill would also extend protection to people living in Northern Ireland and would incorporate commercial, as well as domestic properties.

Miss McIntosh is to co-ordinate a campaign to win support for the Bill before its second reading on December 2.

She will launch a national camping to invite the public to back her amendments.