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Brown to discuss Madeleine case Brown discusses missing Madeleine
(about 3 hours later)
Prime minister Gordon Brown is to meet his Portuguese counterpart to discuss the case of missing Madeleine McCann. Prime minister Gordon Brown has raised the case of missing Madeleine McCann with his Portuguese counterpart.
He will hold talks later with Portuguese prime minister Jose Socrates in Lisbon where a two-day European summit is taking place. He held a "brief discussion" with Portuguese prime minister Jose Socrates in Lisbon where a two-day European summit is taking place.
Mr Brown said he wanted reassurance that Portuguese police were taking all necessary action and that there was co-operation from police in Britain. Mr Brown's spokesman said they agreed there should be the "closest possible co-operation" between the Portuguese and British police.
Talks come after the head of the police investigation was removed. The talks came after the head of the police investigation was removed.
Paulo Rebelo took over the Portuguese police inquiry from Goncalo Amaral who is thought to have been removed for criticising UK police.Paulo Rebelo took over the Portuguese police inquiry from Goncalo Amaral who is thought to have been removed for criticising UK police.
Gerry and Kate will naturally be pleased to hear that Mr Brown is seeking such assurances Clarence Mitchell, McCann family spokesmanGerry and Kate will naturally be pleased to hear that Mr Brown is seeking such assurances Clarence Mitchell, McCann family spokesman
Since Madeleine went missing from a holiday apartment in the Algarve on 3 May, Mr Brown has received regular briefings on the case.Since Madeleine went missing from a holiday apartment in the Algarve on 3 May, Mr Brown has received regular briefings on the case.
He is known to have spoken to the Portuguese premier in early July when he thanked him for his help in the search for the four-year-old.He is known to have spoken to the Portuguese premier in early July when he thanked him for his help in the search for the four-year-old.
On occasions, he has had telephone contact with the missing girl's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann.On occasions, he has had telephone contact with the missing girl's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann.
Clarence Mitchell, the McCann family spokesman, said: "We are aware that the British government has maintained an interest in Madeleine's case as a bilateral issue of importance whenever there has been ministerial contact between the two countries.Clarence Mitchell, the McCann family spokesman, said: "We are aware that the British government has maintained an interest in Madeleine's case as a bilateral issue of importance whenever there has been ministerial contact between the two countries.
"Gerry and Kate will naturally be pleased to hear that Mr Brown is seeking such assurances and they welcome his continued interest in Madeleine's case.""Gerry and Kate will naturally be pleased to hear that Mr Brown is seeking such assurances and they welcome his continued interest in Madeleine's case."
Earlier this week, Mr McCann welcomed a review of the case by Mr Rebelo, the deputy national director of Portuguese police.Earlier this week, Mr McCann welcomed a review of the case by Mr Rebelo, the deputy national director of Portuguese police.
Madeleine vanished from an apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, just days before her fourth birthday.Madeleine vanished from an apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, just days before her fourth birthday.