PM pledge on murdered backpacker

Kirsty Jones was three months into a round-the-world trip

Tony Blair may meet the family of murdered backpacker Kirsty Jones as attempts are made to breathe new life into the inquiry to catch her killer.

Miss Jones, 23, from near Brecon, Powys, was raped and strangled at a guesthouse in Thailand in 2000.

Since then several arrests have been made but none have led to a conviction.

During Prime Minister's questions, Mr Blair said the Government would do everything possible to bring the investigation "to a proper conclusion".

'Fresh impetus'

He was responding to a question from Brecon and Radnorshire MP Roger Williams on Wednesday.

Mr Blair said he was "happy" to try and arrange a meeting, but added that it might be appropriate for one of his colleagues to meet the family instead.

We have been closely involved with the authorities in Bangkok in trying to make progress on this case Prime Minister Tony Blair

Miss Jones, a Liverpool University graduate, was found dead in a room at the £1-a-night Aree guest house in Chiang Mai, more than 400 miles north of the Thai capital, Bangkok.

The Royal Thai Police launched a third inquiry into her death in 2005, but in the past they have been criticised for their handling of the case.

In the House of Commons, Mr Williams said the Thai police had closed the case, but after pressure from Dyfed-Powys Police and Miss Jones' parents the Thai government had referred it to the special investigations branch.

Pressure

"But a number of us are still concerned about the lack of progress and the failure to follow up certain lines of inquiry," added the MP.

"Will you meet with me and Kirsty's parents to ensure that the case gets fresh impetus in Thailand, that justice is delivered for the parents, and that Thailand is a safer place for young people to visit?"

Mr Blair replied: "We have been closely involved with the authorities in Bangkok in trying to make progress on this case.

"I know that Foreign Office officials continue to meet the family - I think weekly - and we will try to do everything we can to bring this to a proper conclusion."

Miss Jones' mother Sue said afterwards that she was pleased pressure was being kept on the investigation.