EAST Lancashire MPs have congratulated Jack Straw for slashing the cost of appeals against the refusal for people to visit family members in the United Kingdom.

When the Home Secretary and Blackburn MP reintroduced the right he set the cost of an all-hearing of £500 and a written submission of £150.

Local MPs were outraged saying that the mainly Asian families affected could not afford the cost. Many wanted their relatives to come from India and Pakistan for family occasions such as weddings and funerals which meant they were already financially stretched.

Mr Straw suffered a rebellion in the House of Commons by Labour back benchers including Pendle's Gordon Prentice, despite a promise to look at the fees.

With effect from yesterday he has decided to reduce them.

Mr Prentice said: "I think this is splendid news. Well done Jack Straw. "I always thought that £500 was too high and I voted against the government. Jack promised to re-examine the issue and he has done. I think that's honour-satisfied."

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "I did not rebel but I was very concerned. I am very pleased at the change as there will be thousands of Asian families across East Lancashire. This is a much more realistic level of fees."

Hyndburn Labour MP and Government Whip Greg Pope said: "This is brilliant news. It shows that Jack has listened to the representations I and others made on behalf of the many Asian families we represent. This is a wise solution to a difficult problem."

Rossendale and Darwen MP and Culture Minister Janet Anderson said: "I am delighted that Jack Straw has, characteristically, listened to MPs and acted upon their concerns. This seems a sensible compromise."