Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell has backed calls in the House of Commons for tougher sentences for drivers who kill.

In an adjournment debate to press for a new offence carrying a tougher sentence for people with a record of offences who cause death by reckless driving, Alan Campbell warned that tougher sentences had to be backed up by actually serving longer in prison.

He asked what signal it sends out when, after the death of a pensioner in his constituency, the driver was sentenced to just 5 years in prison and was considered for release within 18 months.

Transport Minister David Jamieson in replying to the debate said that an announcement would be made shortly about new tougher sentences.