AN EAST Lancashire Euro MP has called for swift action to stop foreign females being forced into prostitution on the streets of East Lancashire.

Labour MEP Mark Hendrick fears that the widespread problems of immigrants selling sex in cities such as Paris and Amsterdam will soon spread to Britain.

He said: "It is a lucrative trade which I fear will soon reach my constituency.

"It is a new form of slavery carried out by criminal gangs which are also involved in drug smuggling and gun-running."

Mr Hendrick, who represents Lancashire Central, said recruitment agencies in countries such as Nigeria, Thailand, Morocco, Russia and Hungary, pretended to offer women job opportunities or an introduction with a view to marriage.

But the reality is that they are forced into prostitution.

In Strasbourg, he voted for a report by Labour MEP Sue Waddington calling for action to end the illegal racket. Mr Hendrick wants an EU-sponsored information campaign to warn women of the dangers; an investigation into the regulation, control and inspection of international employment and marriage bureaux.

He also wants emergency helplines; co-operation between police forces and immigration authorities; and EU development funds for Africa and South America to tackle the problem.

He added: "The women should be treated as victims - not illegal immigrants or criminals living on immoral earnings.

"It is a gross violation of women's human rights and should be tackled nationally and internationally by the police, immigration authorities and social services."

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