The Roman Catholic bishop of Portsmouth is backing a campaign to legalise brothels. The Right Reverend Crispian Hollis says he does not condone prostitution but supports the controversial campaign launched by Hampshire Women's Institute.

While media attention has focussed on the charging yesterday of a 48-year-old man with the murder of five women in eastern England, community organisations ‚Ä' including projects and individuals identified with the National Christian Alliance on Prostitution (NCAP) ‚Ä' say that the reality of sex work in Britain and its impact needs to be faced more honestly.