PREMIUM --

File photo dated 10/12/2002 of Newark MP Patrick Mercer. The Conservative Party is throwing its weight behind the Tory MP's bid to give householders new rights to protect themselves against burglars. Mercer, the Newark MP and the party's security spokesman, is to introduce a Bill within weeks to shift the legal balance in favour of the householder, after topping the ballot for Private Members' legislation. The Bill would offer complete freedom from prosecution to anybody in his own home who takes any action against an intruder, provided it is not 'grossly disproportionate'. See PA story POLITICS Force. PA Photo