GMTV with Fiona Phillips, 01 May 2008

GMTV interview with Fiona Phillips   Watch Kate and Gerry McCann talk exclusively to GMTV in their first live television interview    01 May 2008   Despite the prestige of getting Kate and Gerry McCanns' first live television interview, GMTV have decided to remove the video from their website!

Maddie still alive, say parents, 01 May 2008

Maddie still alive, say parents Manchester Evening News   01 May 2008   KATE and Gerry McCann said today they still believe their missing daughter Madeleine is alive and it will only take one piece of information to find her. The couple appeared on GMTV in a live TV interview as they began a new media campaign in their search for the little girl, who vanished nearly a year ago. Mr McCann said their ordeal has been "almost unbearable", but they have been pulled through by their young twins Sean and Amelie. He said: "Any parent will understand we will do anything to get that child back. We will go to the ends of the earth." Wife Kate added: "We're Madeleine's parents; if we're not there for her, who is?" They have not yet decided what to do to mark the first anniversary of the four-year-old's disappearance from Praia da Luz, Portugal, on Saturday. Mr McCann said there are nights when he thinks "I don't want to wake up tomorrow", but that they believe a lot can still be done. He added: "That person's still out there and will probably do this again." Speaking of the hate mail the couple have received he said: "The negatives do drag you down a bit, you try to develop a thick skin and put them aside. The problem with the recurring criticism that we went to dinner 50 yards away is that we can't change that." Mrs McCann said: "Everybody parents in a different way. I couldn't love Madeleine more than I do and there's no way we would ever take the risk. There's probably some things that other people do that we wouldn't do. There's no right or wrong, it's just different." The couple gave the number of a dedicated phone line for information about Madeleine's whereabouts, 0845 838 4699. GP Kate added: "There's been an evil crime committed here, a hideous crime ... It's just so important to concentrate on that. "We've got to live with ourselves for that misjudgement but really the focus should be on that person who's out there." She said they will never stop looking for their daughter.

BBC News - Breakfast interview, 01 May 2008

Part One: 05:45   Transcript in progress   On Saturday it'll be a year since Madeleine McCann disappeared from her families holiday apartment in Portugal.   And to mark that anniversary her parents, Kate and Gerry, are making a fresh appeal for information to find her. They join us now. Hello to you both, thank you very much for coming in.   Kate McCann: Good morning.   Why the media blitz? In the documentary last night, Gerry, you said the whole world now knows about Madeleine McCann...   Part Two: 05:52

McCanns talk to the BBC's Huw Edwards, 01 May 2008

McCanns talk to the BBC's Huw Edwards   01 May 2008   Kate and Gerry McCann speak to the BBC's Huw Edwards about their missing daughter Madeleine.   Click link here to watch

McCanns 'will not give up' search, 01 May 2008

McCanns 'will not give up' search BBC News   Page last updated at 05:03 GMT, Thursday, 1 May 2008 06:03 UK   The parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann have made fresh appeals for information in the run up to the first anniversary of her disappearance.   Gerry McCann said they had always hoped they "would not get to this stage".   His wife said the key message was that Madeleine was still missing, she had been the victim of a "horrific crime" and the perpetrator was "out there".   They told the BBC they kept hope alive because Madeleine was "so important" to them that they would never give up.   "We need that key bit of information... then this could all be over," said Kate McCann.   Madeleine, of Rothley, Leicestershire, disappeared shortly before her fourth birthday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on 3 May last year. Her parents were eating with friends in a nearby tapas restaurant.   The McCanns still have arguido - or suspect - status in Portugal but deny any wrongdoing.   In an interview with the BBC's Huw Edwards the couple said they had researched abduction cases in the US, and found hope in stories of missing children being found.   Reeling off names of children recovered after long periods of abduction, Gerry McCann said the evidence suggested that the younger a child was when they were taken the lower the chance they had suffered serious harm.   As long as there was no evidence of harm being done to Madeleine, they would not give up, he said.   "And what a disservice it would be to Madeleine to assume otherwise, without any evidence," said Mrs McCann.   "She's still out there and we're asking for help to find her," added Gerry McCann.   Information 'missed?'   The couple, whose campaign was the subject of a two-hour ITV documentary on Wednesday night, said they were convinced someone had details that could "unlock" the mystery of Madeleine's disappearance.   They have launched a new hotline number for information - 0845 8384699 - which can be called from within the UK or outside the country.   "We will guarantee anonymity for anyone who wants it," said Mr McCann.   Mrs McCann said even if people had come forward previously with information, they should make another approach.   She said there had been such a volume of information at the beginning that things could have been missed or not "slotted into place" at the time.   The couple said they had had no direct contact with police in Portugal, and were not aware of what was being done to find their daughter.   They said they wanted more information but added that the situation was not unusual in the Portuguese system.   The McCanns said that they realised there would be less intensive media coverage of the campaign after the first year had passed, and would only be appearing in the press if they felt they had something new to say.   The ITV documentary revealed the extent of hate mail the family had received, showing one message calling the pair "scum".   But the couple told the BBC they did not want to expend too much energy and focus on talking about those who had sent them hate mail, because they were a minority among well-wishers.   Mr McCann said they hoped the documentary would - among other things - help remind people they were real people.   "We are not characters in a soap opera or a fiction. This is about a real child and real family who have been traumatised by this."   They said their twin children Sean and Amelie were "very happy" and enjoying as normal a life as possible.   They had taken professional advice about how to deal with the children's questions, which they were answering truthfully but on a basic level, they said.   "They are still only three," said Mrs McCann. "They talk about Madeleine a lot, which is lovely. They just say 'Madeleine is missing' and we say 'yes, we're all looking for her'."   Declaration   Meanwhile, the family is campaigning for an EU-wide quick response system to be introduced to help find abducted children.   So far, France and Greece are the only EU countries to have introduced full alert systems along the lines of the American Amber scheme which involves immediate broadcasts on radio and television about missing children and information about possible suspects.   A European Parliament declaration demanding the alert system opened for signatures last week, but needs the names of at least half the 785 MEPs before it has formal status as a resolution.   To date the declaration has attracted 127 names, but needs at least 393 by the end of June.

Kate and Gerry McCann - BBC Radio 4 Today interview, 01 May 2008

1st May 2008 - Kate and Gerry McCann BBC Radio 4 - Today (with link to interview)   It's a year since Madeleine McCann disappeared. Sarah Montague spoke to her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann.   Transcript by Nigel Moore   Sarah Montague: It'll be a year on Saturday since Madeleine McCann disappeared. In that time her parents have kept up a very high profile campaign in the hope that some new piece of information comes forward that might lead them to establish what happened to their daughter.   She's probably now the most famous child in the world and yet, despite the acres of coverage, we seem no closer to establishing what happened to her than on the very first night she disappeared.   Kate and Gerry McCann came into the studio yesterday with their media adviser, Clarence Mitchell. They'd been doing interviews all week and I asked them whether, although they wanted the publicity, they were dreading seeing their faces and various headlines all over the front pages again.   Gerry McCann: I think the problem we have, errm... with being in the papers every day is that there just is not the facts to sustain coverage every day. We have not tried to, errm... have a campaign that has bombarded people on a daily basis and, errm... the problem with that is that, errr... column inches get filled with, quite frankly, you know, a lot of rubbish.   Sarah Montague: But you want this, don't you? You want the... the media coverage to get publicity.   Gerry McCann: We only want responsible media coverage, we don't want irresponsible media coverage that's caused untold damage already.   Kate McCann: I mean, certainly in the early days it was vital, errm... to let people know that Madeleine was missing and to get her picture out there, really, and there's very good evidence, years and years of evidence, to show that that actually helps recover missing children and that's what we wanted.   I mean, I... I can remember though after, it was probably a week or something, it wasn't long, when Gerry said 'we don't actually need Madeleine's picture on the front of a newspaper every day' because there wasn't a story to tell, and yet, a picture was there every day, with nothing, or worse than nothing, written.   Sarah Montague: But you are driving this, let's be clear. This is a year on, the campaign, you are driving this, there's a... a documentary, you're doing interviews, you're doing interviews with all the papers, with all the media outlets.   Gerry McCann: I think that's a bit simplistic to say we're driving this. Errr... Clarence has had over 400 bids, errr.. for interviews with us and we anticipated that if we got to this terrible date, essentially a year on, that the media attention on us would be huge. We decided to make the documentary, so that we were making a statement and we want to build on what we said and not continue to go over old ground.   It's a very difficult situation for us. Clearly, we need the public, who have vital information, to come forward and help us find our daughter but we do not need unscrupulous commercial decisions running stories that simply don't merit it.   Sarah Montague: What are your hopes that the public can come forward with?   Gerry McCann: Well, today we... first of all, errm... we are launching a new hotline number for people who have information that may be relevant. I'd like to give that, it's 0845 8384699 and essentially we asking anyone who may have been in and around Praia da Luz, this time last year, who may have had something similar to... to them that possibly has, or has not, been reported, to come forward if they have information.   There are... suspect, who was seen walking away from the apartment shortly before Madeleine, errr... was discovered missing and we'd like to remind people about that sketch, that's there, and they may have seen someone. We think that this is not a problem specific to Portugal, it's an international problem, and we want people to rack their brains and help us, this is...   Sarah Montague: What do... there are a lot of theories, of course, about what might have happened to her, I mean, so many theories. What do you both think happened to her?   Kate McCann: I know Madeleine was abducted from her bed on the 3rd of May.   Sarah Montague: You know that?   Kate McCann: Yes.   Sarah Montague: How can you know that?   Kate McCann: I can't give you all the facts, errm... but, you know, as we say, there was a man seen carrying a child, wearing the same pyjamas that Madeleine was wearing, errm... on that night.   Sarah Montague: Could she have walked out of the apartment?   Kate McCann: I know she couldn't have walked out of the apartment.   Gerry McCann: Again, it's very difficult because we are still under judicial secrecy and therefore we cannot, and we should not, give too much investigative detail - there's too much detail been out there already. There's an awful lot of incorrect detail as well and in some ways separating the wheat from the chaff is very, very important. I want to make it clear we will not be giving additional investigative detail and people who come forward with information, to us, can do so anonymously.   Sarah Montague: You... you obviously find it incredibly difficult because there must be things... I mean, I can see just from the way you're talking now, that there are things that you want to say but that you feel that you can't say.   Kate McCann: Do you know what though, Sarah, you'd be exhausted if you tried to knock back every bit that's been written in the paper. You'd be absolutely exhausted. There's so few facts and yet there's been so much written and it takes your energy and we wanna focus on finding Madeleine and that's the most important thing. So, it... I mean, it's difficult, but I think we have to also, kind of, just let it go by, really, and...   Sarah Montague: Do you... tell us about the role of the Portuguese police here because do you still feel that you're working with them or against them?   Gerry McCann: Well, we have very little contact with them, errm... so, I think that, errm... tells you, errm... a story in itself and that's not unusual in Portugal.   Sarah Montague: It... it didn't, of course, start out like that. To begin with, in... in the weeks you had, you appeared to have a very good relationship with them and there was a certain point at which you became, you still are, official suspects. When did you realise that they thought you might have been involved?   Gerry McCann: I mean, that's all been documented already, clearly we were declared, errm... arguido when we went in for interviews at the end of September...   Kate McCann: Start of September.   Gerry McCann: Sorry, start of September. Errm... obviously the files are still secret, so, errm... when the files become public then everyone can see what, errm... information is in the files and what is not in the files, errm... and in the interim all we are going to do is continue to look for our daughter.   Sarah Montague: It was presumably though, at that moment, that you realised that they weren't looking for your daughter.   Kate McCann: Well, certainly that was the... the biggest realisation to me and probably the most upsetting thing, yeah.   Sarah Montague: Was that the most difficult point in the year?   Kate McCann: Well, I think the first night was probably the most difficult, errm... but that was probably a close second, for sure, yeah.   Gerry McCann: I think you have to say here that we don't know what has been done and what hasn't been done.   Sarah Montague: By the police?   Gerry McCann: Yeah. The files are secret. We don't know if they were still were looking for Madeleine but clearly there was a major focus on, errr... looking at us. As I said, early in August, there's no problem with that, we'd nothing to hide, we cooperated fully and we've given, since day one, all the information that we thought that might be relevant and any specific information, we've been asked for, we've given it to the police.   Sarah Montague: And then, of course, you... we have, errr... a situation where, in a sense, I suppose, there must be a feeling that the British media turned against you because so much was written and that was, what, through August, September. At certain points did you think then, 'look this media campaign has to carry on if only to protect us'.   Gerry McCann: I think, again, uhhh... you're putting two things together in terms of a media campaign. We had, errr... an awareness campaign about, errr... keeping Madeleine's image out there and then we had, errr... a second aspect where, errr... clearly there was a lot of damage done to us reputationally and we felt that those things could not go unchallenged, errr... there was so much, errr... rubbish written, and that is why we ultimately took action, errr... against the Express Group newspapers for the sustained and completely ridiculous assertions that were published there in, over a hundred articles.   We are not characters in a book or a soap opera, we are real people, with real feelings, we have got a real family and we've got other children to protect while we're searching for our other daughter.   Sarah Montague: Tell us about that, tell us about how... to what extent life can return to normal because you're back at work now, aren't you?   Gerry McCann: I am, yeah.   Sarah Montague: Could you consider going back to work, Kate?   Kate McCann: Errr... not at the moment, it just doesn't... doesn't feel right, to be honest. I mean, I'm very busy at the moment, there's a lot going on, even Gerry'll say when he gets home from work, we're very busy and, errm... I mean, you can't.... you know, you can't completely switch off from... for looking for Madeleine and that's important for us, it's important for Sean and Amelie.   Sarah Montague: So, what now? What now can you do, in searching for Madeleine, continuing the search realistically?   Gerry McCann: Again, we're hoping for a... a very strong response from the public, errr... when we appeal, we'll be launching new posters. We strongly believe somebody knows something that will lead us to who took Madeleine and we want, really, people to rack their brain and help us. It is the most horrific crime.   Sarah Montague: And you don't, for a second, doubt that she's not still alive?   Kate McCann: I mean, we both believe there's a very good chance she's alive and I think it'd be totally irresponsible and I think it would be a disservice to Madeleine to think otherwise.   Sarah Montague: Kate and Gerry McCann, thank you, very much.

The search for Madeleine, 01 May 2008

The search for Madeleine Radio 5 live Breakfast Nicky Campbell 08:42 UK time, Thursday, 1 May 2008 The search for Madeleine McCann continues - and her parents Kate and Gerry have today told us about their renewed attempts to find her. LISTEN: Nicky Campbell speaks to Kate and Gerry McCann 1 year on ------------------- Transcript By Nigel Moore Nicky Campbell: It's almost a year since, errr... Madeleine McCann disappeared. Her parents Kate and Gerry McCann are renewing their appeal for information about what happened to their little girl and they're here with us now. Right, good morning to you. Gerry McCann: Morning. Kate McCann: Good morning. NC: The number, or the webs... tell us about the website, tell us about the telephone number; this is the most important thing, right? GM: Yes, very much so, errm... we have a new hotline number... got a slightly more sophisticated system for call-handling. We want anyone who, errm... has come forward with information previously to come forward again; no matter who they gave that to. We want to appeal to anyone who hasn't come forward, errr... previously, for whatever reason; whether it's their own activities; whether they've been scared previously. We will guarantee, errr... anonymity if people want that and we will guarantee confidentiality. But we truly believe somebody knows something that can help us find Madeleine. NC: Right... and, who knows, they may even be listening now. So what are the numbers, Kate. I mean, how... what... have you got it handy? KM: I have, yes. The number is, errm... 0845 8384699, errm... and the website address is investigation@findmadeleine.com NC: Right, errm... that sounds like an email address. GM: That... that's an email address and... KM: Sorry. NC: 'madeleine.com' is the... yeah? Is the... GM: 'findmadeleine.com', and then we also have an anonymous, errr... @findmadeleine.com as well, if anyone wants. So, errr... you know, we will guarantee that and there is a system set up to make sure that any information that people who want to withhold their name, number, anything like that, we will guarantee that. NC: Right, and we'll put all those details on our... on our blog as well and put a link, errr... to the website. And... and you still have this, errm... this dark... never mind the other devastation in your life, never mind the fact you don't know where Madeleine is... this... this... this nightmare... this vortex of hell you've been through, you still have this arguido thing hanging over you, don't you? What's... you know, it's the... it's the devastation of the 'n'th degree, isn't it? What's that like, Kate? KM: Well, I guess it's a bit like torture-on-top-of-torture, you know, errm... we just have to get on with that for now really and just hope that status will be lifted soon. I mean, you know, we just have to do everything really to find Madeleine; that's our main priority really. Madeleine's still missing and we need to get that key bit of information from somebody, errm... which will lead to us finding her. NC: What about the prosp... poss... GM: [makes noise as though about to speak] NC: Sorry, Gerry. What about the possibility of this... this reconstruction; the police were talking about you doing it on the 15th of May. Will you go to Portugal and do that? GM: I mean, the reconstruction's still under, errr... consideration. We're not the only people who have been invited back; clearly there are other witnesses. Errm... we have some concerns, I think the fact that a date is out there publicly in that process where there's meant to be judicial secrecy, errr... where the investigation process is meant to be conducted in secrecy, errm... raises some concerns. Errr... clearly, with the amount of media attention on us, I don't think that will be very easy to... to do, errr... with huge media attention and we've got concerns about what additional information will be gained from it a year on, errr... you know, we've given all of the information we know to the police; our friends, errr... have assured us they've done the same; they've recently, errr... had repeat interviews to go over lots of additional information. So, there are many things to be considered, Nicky, and, errr... you know, it's not, errr... NC: And also, the fact is, we were tak... hearing from our... Steve Kingstone, our correspondent, earlier on who was saying there is also... because there are elements clearly within the Portuguese police, errm... who are... are... are less than, you know, sympathetic to... to... to the two of you and maybe even think you had something to do with it and there's a possibility of... of this lesser charge: 'abandonment', errm... is that a... a concern that they might slap something on that... on you, like that, if you were to go? GM: Nicky, you know, our focus is completely on finding Madeleine; anything else is a distraction and, you have to ask yourself, why is that being discussed a year down the line when Madeleine is still missing and we're seemingly no closer. They don't have any additional information, errr... to be talking about such a charge now, than they had on the 4th of May. We want to remind everyone that this is about Madeleine; it's about finding Madeleine. There's been a heinous crime committed and that abductor is still at large and, for Kate and I, our daughter is still missing and we believe she can still be found. We know it's difficult but we've really are appealing to people to remember that and it may not be something directly relevant; they may have thought: 'has something similar happened'; have they seen... NC: They might even... not even know that they have vital information, that's the thing, isn't it? GM: That's right. KM: Yeah. NC: What about your... Kate, can I ask you this. That you... you... you refer to the torture of this and, you know, we can't imagine what it's like. Errm... is there... you've got... you've got your two beautiful children: Sean and Amelie. Is there a... is there a... a time still for joy in... in your lives, with them, for light and for laughter, errr... given what's happened? KM: I mean, there is, Nicky. I mean, Sean and Amelie are amazing and I... I... to be honest, I don't know how we'd have got through this without them there, errm... and you can't help... you can't help but laugh at them and stuff. I mean, they're so lovely and funny and never stop chatting, you know, errm... and... and they're great and it's important, really, it's important that they have like a... a normal and happy life and I, I mean, I believe they have that. NC: Have you had to work and really try hard sometimes to... to provide that for them with this horrible dark cloud going on? GM: I think that's hardest particularly in the... in the early days... KM: Early days. GM: ...and I think we have spoken about previously, particularly when we stayed in Portugal, in the first few weeks, on Saturday we... we was family day and we forced ourselves to spend it with Sean and Amelie and take them swimming and things and... and there was this terrible guilt that if... you know, normally I'm... I would say I'm quite carefree, particularly with the kids and... and one week I suddenly thought, 'I actually really enjoyed that' and then this guilt set in... NC: Yeah. God, I know it. GM: ...that how... how can you en... have enjoyment in life when Madeleine is missing and we don't know what she's going through. But... NC: It's a powerful thing to think about; the way you put that. Errm... and also when... when you wake up in the mornings you have that thing... and ev... anyone would appreciate, if they've lost somebody or if there's something terrible happening in their lives - can't be anything more terrible than what's happening in your lives - but, you know, you wake up in the morning and you think, 'Oh, where am I? What is it?' and then you remembered [clicks fingers]. Do you have that moment as well? And it all kind of comes back to you? KM: I think with the length of time now, I suppose it's... it's kind of reality, you know, it's... it's... NC: It's moved to a different level. Yeah, yeah. KM: Yeah, you know, we're a year on, I mean, I have to say it doesn't feel like it's a year since I've seen Madeleine, errm... but, we're... you know, we're still focused, we're still very focused and... NC: Mmm... GM: Nicky, you know, today we've set another objective; it's to get information in. We want to make sure every stone has been overturned in the search and we have to know that. NC: Do you think it has? Do you... do you feel let down? GM: Well, the... the worst thing is, we don't know. NC: You haven't see the file, have you? GM: We don't know what's been done, what hasn't been done, who's been eliminated, who hasn't, what grounds they have been eliminated on. NC: When will you be able to see that file? GM: Well, errr... that's one of the things that's slightly more optimistic, that the change to the Penal Code in Portugal, which came into effect on the 15th of September, errm... says that previously the investigation phase stayed until the case was closed or until charges was brought and that could last years. Now, clearly, we don't have influence on when we'll be able to see it but, you know, it's meant to be eight months and that law was brought in because... in recognition that many arguido are never charged and the sim... the thing is, it would be similar to being interviewed under caution in the UK. So the Portuguese have realised that and have changed the law to stop the stigma of the arguido. So, you know... NC: So there's hope there, there's some... there's some light there. I mean every little... every little advance is... is important in this, isn't it? But there is that, as you so rightly and so articulately said, there's that main... main focus that you've got to have at the end of it; the most important thing. But all the stuff in... in some of the papers and I know you got a lot of money for the cause from the Express Group. But, you know, give us an idea of... of how that hit... hit... you know, put a... the chill in your heart, you know, when you read about, you know, the 100% DNA link in the cars to Maddie, the... the... you know, the... the dogs picking up the scent of death and all that. What was that like to read? KM: I mean, to be honest with you, we didn't read a lot of it but obviously our family and friends did and made us aware of it. Errm... I mean, for a start, we knew it was inaccurate, if not a lie. NC: But was it anger? Was that the first thing? Just rage? KM: I'll tell you what... what was really angry, it was the fact that they were insinuating that Madeleine was dead and you think, 'how dare they?'. There's absolutely no evidence to say Madeleine's been harmed and by saying she's dead you are hampering or potentially trying to stop the search for Madeleine. She's four-years-old, I mean, I just think, you know, people should really look at themselves, particularly the... you know, the newspapers and say, 'hang on a minute', you know, 'what... why are we doing this?', you know... NC: Rather... rather than... rather than a story... rather than another angle, you know... rather... KM: This is a missing child, you know. There's a missing child out there. GM: I think that's the point, isn't it? There's been far too much myth, rumour, innuendo, speculation, downright lies, the things... many things that have been written about us with no regard to accuracy, truth, veriba... errrr... whether they're verifiable or not and... NC: Who... who would have thought, I mean, a year ago, there you are, and then this... this year, what happened to you is... is terrible, this... but this year that you've had, this... the media attention, what... what happened to your little girl and then all the things that have been written about you. It is, you know... Kafka couldn't have make this up, you know. It's extraordinary, isn't it? GM: I think, you know, particularly with the documentary last night, we... NC: Which was very good, I... I watched it. GM: We do want to remind people that, obviously, the key thing here is Madeleine. We're a real family, we're real people, we're not caricatures or fictional characters and, I think, some of the sections of the media have treated it like that and there's clearly been commercial decision making and it has been a sorry day, I think, for print journalism, in particular, if you can call it that. Errm... and we're in a... we're here, we're appealing, errr... we know we've been criticised for doing media. This is only the second appeal Kate and I have done in seven months, errr... so it's not like we're in... out there on a regular basis but we are in a very difficult situation because we believe someone - a member of the public - holds the key. NC: So, why do... those... those people who say, 'Oh, ITV documentary, you know, maybe talk of a book and Hello! magazine, and all that stuff - it's... it's too showbiz'. They're losing... they're... they're... they don't get it, they don't get the fact that if you're not here talking about it, if you're not on television talking about it, you know, the information isn't getting out there - you might just get to that one person, Kate. KM: Well, absolutely, you know, we're her parents and if, you know, we're not there for Madeleine, who is, really? Errm... NC: Mmm... And I'm... I'm struck by the fact that, you know, you... you think she's still alive. You believe... you absolutely believe she's still alive. KM: You know, there... there's... I mean, we said, there's absolutely no evidence to say that she isn't, you know, and... and all we can look at really is the, you know, the evidence that has come from particularly in the States where they're kind of quite years ahead, really, and the statistics show that children are recovered even years down the line. I mean, we can reel off a whole load of names if you want...   NC: Yeah, yeah... KM: ...and the younger the child, the more likely that is. NC: You've spent a lot of money, errr... the fund has spent a lot of money on... on... on private detectives. I remember reading in... I don't know whether it was yet another exaggeration or lie but I remember reading in one of the newspapers, one of the private detectives saying, 'Oh, we could find her by Christmas' or something, I seem to remember... KM: Well, again that... I'll just say that was a misquote, it was... NC: It was a misquote, was it, yeah? KM: ...'We hope to find her for Christmas' or 'We hope she'll be home for Christmas'... NC: Okay... KM: ...and that became 'home for Christmas'. NC: ...which was 'home for...' What... have they... have they... It's a lot of money, maybe quarter of a million, £300,000, a... a source tells me. Errr... Have they come up with anything; these private detectives? GM: From our perspective we are in a better position now than where we were in September... NC: In terms of information? GM:Yeah. I mean, clearly, we haven't got the key bit of information that will lead us to finding Madeleine but, I think, the way we try to, errr... think about it is, it's like a jigsaw. NC: Do you have... do you have theories that you're working on? GM: You know, clearly, the investigators are looking at all options and scenarios and that... that's the key thing; there are a host of scenarios here, errr... and there... in very many of those scenarios, Madeleine is alive in them. Errr... The information we are going on, in terms of stat... statistics and other things are based predominantly in the US because of the data collection but we need to join the jigsaw up; and that's the key thing. Errr... and it's to get as much information as possible. NC: And that's what this... you know, media appearances like this will hopefully help. And what about contact with, errr... the great and the good? I know Gordon Brown was in close contact with you at the beginning, are you still in contact with him? Or is... or did the arguido stuff change that? GM: I'm sure there was a shift in terms of, errm... the situation and, errr... when one sovereign state, errr... gives you a status then other people, and, I think, particularly government, errr... were clearly cautious. Errm... NC: So that's changed somewhat, yeah. GM: We have contact with the Foreign Office, errm... from predominantly a consular basis. We do put requests in, that we do want to get as much information as possible and, I think, what we've asked, and will ask repeatedly, is: 'what evidence does anyone have to suggest that Madeleine is dead?' because we know of no evidence to suggest otherwise and we would like a public acknowledgment of that. In... in some ways, when we get official statements from Portugal, its fine: 'all lines of inquiry are open'; so they can't have an abduction line of inquiry open if they've got evidence that Madeleine... is dead. Or, if they do, then they should inform us. NC: Well, listen, thank you for coming in and, errm... errr... we... we... so many people pray that this... you've had a lot of... I mean, so many people pray that this... this... this comes good but just a reaction finally to some of the ha... there was a... seen you last night... I seen you last night opening some hate mail, you know. What do you think of people who've... can you understand why people have reacted like that? Those blogs and stuff like that, can you get your head round that, Kate? KM: I can't, I mean, you know, it's been a... it's been pretty astounding to me really that there are... and they are the minority, I have to say that, you know, the great silent majority are really supportive and kind people but there is a tiny element of si... society who obviously need to be hateful and cruel and... and you have to ask why people are like that, I really don't know, but it's important that we don't get too derailed by them really. NC: Well, we watched, errr... the... errr... we have a little girl - Madeleine's age - and we watched it last night in, you know, in floods of tears identifying and just thinking, 'Oh, my God, what... what they... what those people are going through' and, errr... we wish you well and the number is, errm... 0845 8384699, 0845 8384699. Just remind me of the website again, Gerry, if you would. GM: So, it's, errr... 'findmadeleine.com' and there's two emails: 'investigation@findmadeleine.com' and 'anonymous@findmadeleine.com' NC: Thank you for your time, errm... and, errr... it's Kate and Gerry McCann.

ITV - 'This Morning' with Fern Britten, 01 May 2008

Kate and Gerry McCann's interview on ITV - 'This Morning' programme   One year on from the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, her parents Kate and Gerry talk openly about their ordeal and appeal for information.   1st May 2008   Click here to watch the McCanns interview with ITV (this interview is split over 5 separate clips)

We Won't Give Up On Her - McCanns, Sky News, 01 May 2008

We Won't Give Up On Her - McCanns   May 1, 2008   The parents of Madeleine McCann have told Sky News they are desperate for new leads in the case. Speaking to Dermot Murnaghan, Kate and Gerry McCann describe how they will leave no stone unturned to find her, one year since she disappeared in Portugal.   00:16:36

McCanns on Sky News: 'Something Like This Could Destroy You', 01 May 2008

'Something Like This Could Destroy You' Sky News   Updated:17:11, Thursday May 01, 2008   The parents of missing toddler Madeleine McCann have told Sky News that the disappearance of their daughter has "wreaked havoc" on their family.   Two days before the first anniversary of the four-year-old's disappearance, Kate and Gerry McCann told Sky's Dermot Murnaghan that without support something like this "could destroy you".   And they told how their "fantastic" twins Sean and Amelie were helping them through the tough times.   "You often wonder where we would be if it wasn't for them," Mrs McCann said.   Madeleine went missing on May 3 last year, while the family was on holiday in Portugal.   The couple say they are now desperate for new leads in the case and they will leave no stone unturned in searching for their little girl.   "We need that key piece of information and we believe it is out there," Mrs McCann said.   "You cannot give up. Madeleine deserves that. There is no evidence she has come to any harm."   The cases of Elisabeth Fritzl and Natasha Kampusch in Austria have also given them hope that Madeleine could be alive - and they can even imagine her growing up in a different place, surrounded by different people, and simply adjusting to her new situation.   But they refuse to give up their hunt, injecting new energy into the campaign with a fresh hotline number and a plan to change tactics in their dealings with the media, adding that the past year's coverage is simply "unsustainable".   "It led to a lot of rumour, myth and innuendo," Mr McCann said. "What we want is responsible reporting."   Madeleine's case sparked an international media storm after she vanished from the family's holiday villa in Praia da Luz.   There has been talk of a possible reconstruction of the events leading up to Madeleine's disappearance - but although the McCanns are not ruling out a return to Portugal, they said they are worried about how helpful it would be for the police investigation, given the immense media interest.   "How can you do a reconstruction with what will be undoubtedly be a media event?" Mr McCann asked.   "It is under discussion. It is back to what additional information will help the search."   The McCanns are still considered suspects - or 'aguidos' - by police in Portugal, and will remain so until someone is charged in connection with the case.   Sky News' crime correspondent Martin Brunt, speaking after the couple appeared on Sky, said there would now be pressure on the McCanns to take part in any reconstruction.   "There will be a big hole in it, if the couple are not in it (the reconstruction)," he said.   "People hostile towards them will use it to criticise them, suggesting that they are not helping the police.   "I believe they are in a difficult situation. It will cause a problem if they do not go."   Speaking to Murnaghan, the McCanns answered several questions sent in by Sky News viewers.   And both Kate and Gerry became visibly agitated when asked to explain why they left their children alone in a holiday apartment while they went out for dinner with friends.   Slapping her leg and pointing out that she felt the subject was "going over old ground", Mrs McCann said: "I felt it was incredibly safe.   "I would never have taken a risk. It was something that was not even a decision - that is how safe it felt."   Mr McCann added: "If we thought it was not safe for one moment, if there was any conscious element that somebody was going to go into the apartment and steal your child - of course we would not have done that."

'The Strain Could Destroy People', 01 May 2008

'The Strain Could Destroy People' Sky News   Updated:17:56, Thursday May 01, 2008    The parents of missing Madeleine McCann say their ordeal has "wreaked havoc" within their family - and that the strain could "destroy" people.   Kate and Gerry, who remain formal suspects in the case, spoke to Dermot Murnaghan. Here is a summary of their comments:   Gerry - We have had tremendous support - from friends, family and the public - but there's no doubt something like this could destroy you. It has wreaked havoc within our family.   Kate - Our other children are fantastic - we wonder where we would be today without them. They're very happy, well adjusted, they have a normal life, they're fantastic.   Kate - Must not lose sight that a crime has been committed. The person's still out there and Madeleine's still missing.   Gerry - With hindsight, with the abduction, it's seen in a very different light now. The worse thing about going over and over and over this is we can't change this.   Kate - (On Madeleine asking 'where were you when I cried last night' on the day of her disappearance). She asked it and then moved on. It was a passing remark, we thought she doesn't usually wake up and that she must have fallen back asleep. Wouldn't have thought of the comment again without abduction.   Gerry - No reason to think there was any danger. Making regular checks, dining nearby. We would never have left her if there was.   Kate - Answered this so many times but I felt it was incredibly safe (to leave her alone). I cannot love Madeleine more than I love her, would never have taken a risk.   Gerry - You remain arguido (suspect), which is similar to being interviewed under caution in UK, until someone is charged or file no longer under judicial secrecy. Normal situation in Portugal. We want to know what's been done, what hasn't, who has been eliminated from investigation and why. We need to know.   Gerry - Reconstruction in Portugal under discussion. What additional information to help the search for Madeleine would be gained by it?   Gerry - We want responsible reporting. There's too much rumour, myth and innuendo.   Kate - No text book on what to do when child gets taken. Would have liked to stay out of media but we have to do this. You don't see the bad side of what can come and all the horrible press.   Gerry: She could easily have been moved out of Portugal. Amber Alert system saves lives.   Gerry: Number of children have been recovered when people have given up. Can't give up until know who took her and why.   Kate - Nothing to say Madeleine not out there. Many children found years down the line - we cannot give up, Madeleine deserves that. Madeleine needs us to find her.   Gerry - For us to rest we need to know, to make sure everything's being done. Want to ask people to call in on new hotline number with any information. Desperate for leads, we cannot give up.   Kate - Only one reason why we're in the media and that's to appeal for information. A year on but she's still missing.

Five News | McCanns speak to Natasha Kaplinsky, 01 May 2008

Five News | McCanns speak to Natasha Kaplinsky Five News Channel   ---------- Transcript By Nigel Moore Archive footage section: Kate McCann: Madeleine is a beautiful, bright, funny and caring little girl. She is so special. Please, please do not hurt her. Please don't scare her. Gerry McCann: Until there is concrete evidence to the contrary, we believe that Madeleine is safe and being looked after. "And God, who searches our innermost being, knows what the spirit means."   Reverend Haynes Hubbard: And God, who searches our innermost being, knows what the spirit means. Gerry McCann: We have played no part in the disappearance of our lovely daughter Madeleine. Kate McCann: We beg you to let Madeleine come home. Studio: Natasha Kaplinsky: Well, Kate and Gerry, thank you very much indeed for coming and I know you find that very difficult to watch, Kate, don't you? One year on, did you ever think that you'd still be without Madeleine? Kate McCann: I mean, even, you know, a few hours seemed like a lifetime, in the early days, so... (big sigh) no, I guess not, but... Gerry McCann: I think even in the first few days the key thing was to think to do everything, so we didn't end up getting to milestones like this and we're back here aday... today appealing, hoping we don't get to the next milestone. And, errr... we can't rest until everything has been done. Natasha Kaplinsky: You're here appealing, you're everywhere appealing, you've launched a really rigorous, active, 'media offensive' really, to mark this first anniversary. Clearly you have a lot of power in your voice right now but how aware are you that that might go at some point? Kate McCann: Well, I mean, I think it's inevitable really that the media interest will... will wane really after the anniversary, errr... unless there is a development, errr... and that's really I guess why we're trying to capitalise on it, a little bit now and try and appeal, once again, to the public. Natasha Kaplinksy: Because of your arguido status, there are clearly some people who think that you are implicated in some way in Madeleine's disappearance. How do you cope with that? How do you feel about that? "...there are clearly some people who think that you are implicated in some way..." Gerry McCann: Well, I hope a lot of people watched the documentary last night and, errr... to see what we have gone through as a family and, errr... everything, in the fullness of time, will come to light; what's in the file, and they will be able... hopefully, will be able to see what the facts are and that's what we need to concentrate at. The clear thing at the minute is that there is no evidence that Madeleine has been seriously harmed. Errr... Anyone who knows us, knows that we would never do anything to hurt any of our children. Natasha Kaplinksy: You can't help but look at the newspapers and endless press speculation, some of it incredibly unfavourable for you and also just walking down the street. I mean you've gone from being a normal family to suddenly being thrust into the public eye, as you have been. How do you cope with it? How do you cope with not knowing what people think about you as people; as parents? Kate McCann: I mean, I think, you don't realise how much you value your anonymity really until something like this happens, errm... and that's kind of taken away and the fact you almost feel like you're, you know, stripped bare, in some ways, you know, that people know so much about you and... Gerry McCann: I'm sure you've experienced a similar thing, maybe not quite so vitriolic about some of the things we've had... we've had to do but, you know, our statement in the documentary last night, and why we're here today, partly, is to remind people we are real people. Madeleine's a real child; this isn't fictional; we're not caricatures; we're... this has almost destroyed a family and has the potential to destroy other families in similar situations. Natasha Kaplinksy: Kate, you've always remained very hopeful, you've always said you can't imagine that... that Madeleine isn't still alive. Nevertheless, you must have imagined what she might be going through if she is alive. What is your greatest hope of what might have happened to her this year? Kate McCann: (big sigh) I mean, obviously, you know, my hope is that Madeleine is safe and well and is being looked after an she is... I mean, she's a strong little character and, you know, they say children adapt well... Gerry McCann: Mmmm. Kate McCann: ...errm... I just hope she's well. Natasha Kaplinksy: And how do you stop your mind from going to that worst place, the worst case scenario? Gerry McCann: First few days it was impossible. I think that's the first thing to say; absolutely impossible, but we realised that that negative speculation doesn't help you. It doesn't help find Madeleine, we're absolutely certain about that, so, errr... there is an element to be able to... I think I'm probably a bit better at it; I can switch it off almost, when it... it comes in, and it's fleeting, it's occasional moments it's less so, but it really the... the negative as... it just doesn't help you; it doesn't help us; it doesn't help Madeleine. Natasha Kaplinksy: If Madeleine, for whatever reason, can hear you now, what would you say to her? "If Madeleine, for whatever reason, can hear you now, what would you say to her?" Gerry McCann: Oh, we love you very, very much and Sean and Amelie love you very much and we're doing everything we can to try and find you; bring you home. Kate McCann: Yeah. I love you, Madeleine, and hold on. We're still looking, we always will.

Gerry and Kate McCann: Full interview transcript, 02 May 2008 (published on this date but interview took place 01 May 2008)

Gerry and Kate McCann: Full interview transcript Telegraph   The Telegraph talks to Gerry and Kate McCann as they launch a new campaign on the anniversary of their daughter Madeleine's disappearance.   By Nick Britten  Published: 7:00PM BST 01 May 2008   Gerry, talking about the launch of a new campaign, said: This is something we've been working behind the scenes. We knew there would be massive media attention and we wanted to capitalise on that.   The documentary is a platform and told a bit of a story about where we're at. We want to bring the focus back completely to what this is about – finding Madeleine.   Kate: There has been that much speculation. I find it upsetting for our family but it's upsetting for Madeline.   Gerry: There so much noise you can't tell the noise from the real messages. Any angle leads to column inches when it doesn't deserve it.   When you think about the last five months how much new information - there's very, very little and we need to focus is back on what people do know and what are the real issues here.   Q: Is this the best hope now of finding Madeleine?   Kate: I'm not sure about that but the media interest will wane without any developments and I guess you've got to use this opportunity. We need that information and we strongly believe that information is out there, somebody knows something.   Dubbing today "May Day for Madeleine", Gerry said: It's the last chance to capture a lot of the information that's gone into the investigation that we're not privy to and clearly we need to know everything that's been done. What we're asking people to do is if you've given information to police, Crimestoppers, Portuguese police, we're asking you to give it to us as well.   We're a year down the line and seemingly no closer to finding Madeleine. We've got little bits of jigsaw but huge gaps.   We have set aside considerable resources on this task and we have processes set up and ready to go but of course we don't know what information has been generated.   I personally don't think running stories on Madeleine makes that much difference. Her image is everywhere.   It's about that key bit of information - someone has it but they might not necessarily put it together.   At this time, a year on, it's to try to jog people's memories. Portugal is a small country, she could have been moved, we've clearly got an international case and we're desperate for information.   There are people who haven't come forward who might have been involved on the periphery.   Q: When the arguido status is lifted will this story go away?   Kate: Being made arguido has not helped the search for Madeleine. I'm sure when the arguido status is lifted it will be a major development and huge headlines.   Q: There is lots and lots of media coverage but has it helped the searched?   Gerry: A lot of people think Madeleine is dead. Today is about us stating our absolute categoric belief that there is no evidence that Madeleine has been seriously harmed.   Q: How do you feel Madeleine?   Kate: It's a sense really, Madeliene is very close, it's kind of a sensation that she's there. You try and be objective and think that it's just because I'm her mum and because I want to believe.   Gerry: The more research we've done and the more we've looked into these types of cases the stronger my belief is now that there's a better chance Madeleine is alive.   The bulk of data is actually based from the US. From the 115-a-year stereotypical kidnappings by strangers 40-50 per cent are killed, which means that the majority are not killed. The younger the child the less likely is that child will be seriously harmed or killed.   Madeleine really is the right low limit. We've not said it's impossible. How many of the children who are never found and assumed to be dead are actually being brought up somewhere else? It's frightening to think of Natasha Kampusch (held for eight years) and Shawn Hornbeck (four years) and other kids...   Kate: The story in Austria shows how people can go off the radar. But they are still there and you owe it to that erson to keep looking.   It still give you hope, it's horrible to think of the length of time and stuff and you think of a year ago. Imagine what it would have been like to get to a year, it would have killed me. A few days at that point were forever but it [Elisabeth being found] gives you hope and it could be today, tomorrow or next week and you've got to keep hold of that hope.   Gerry: It all gives you hope. People want to help. She's a completely innocent child and surely we can find her if everyone pulls together. Whatever anyone thinks of the situation Madeleine is innocent and she's a child.   When we went to Washington and spoke to the people who had the most expertise we came out thinking she is out there.   Gerry: There's a really good chance she is still out there, based on years of experience of missing and abducted children.   What Earnie Allen's (national center for missing and exploited children in Washington) exact words were are there are a host of scenarios by which Madeleine could still be out there.   The experts are saying there is a strong chance Madeleine is out there but its back to what we need to do which is address the situation: Who took her? Is that person alone? If they are alone they don't live in isolation, they live in a town, in a holiday resort, they interact with people and they might have accomplices we don't know what motivates them.   They have to shop, they have to buy things. People have got a description of a man. It's trying to find a link somewhere, we feel incredibly passionate about it.   Kate: Even people who are classed as loners are known as the loner down the road.   About Sean and Amelie:   Sean and Amelie talk about her constantly,. They include her in everything. They ask about her. They essentially still play with her and that's really heartening for us. A year down the line, our three-year-old twins still see it as that and if Madeleine walked in the door tomorrow they'd say which one do you want and play with her.   They would shout 'Madeleine's home, lets go and play'. She is still a huge part of their life and ours.   Explaining to them what has happened:   Kate: I've got my journal but we took advice and have done everything that we thought was best for Sean and Amelie. A psychologist we spoke to said basically be honest. The problem is you haven't got a story to tell and can't fill in the facts.   Gerry: I hope she's back with us before they're of an age when they're on the internet and searching. We will face difficult decisions down the line and we are not forcing information on them.   As they ask the questions, they are being told straight and the situation now is still they know Madeleine is missing. They have some understanding of the concept of being lost and that people are looking for them and they say heartbreaking things to us like they're going to find Madeleine and bring her home.   Kate: They will say things like that because we talk about when Madeleine comes home.   About the new campaign:   Gerry: This is a local call number, no premium. It functions from abroad. My strong understanding is that will be a local call from abroad as well. People can leave information anonymously and we guarantee confidentiality.   Kate: We don't know what has been done and what hasn't been done (in the investigation). As parents not knowing what's being done, it gets to a time when we have to find out ourselves.   Gerry: We need to know and we want to know. The bulk of the information in the inquiry came from the UK. We knew there were thousands of leads that came through Crimestoppers and Leicestershire police.   The bulk of the people in Praia da Luz were British, Irish, Dutch and German. We need to co-operate with the authorities. We're not taking the law into our own hands. There will be jurisdictional issues.   We believe it's an international investigation and our investigation in independent. It's cross border and focused on finding Madeline.   Kate: We don't know what the Portuguese (police know)   Gerry: Who can object to us, a year down the line, diverting resources. It's a year. We're not being given information that people are under supervision - if so we'd be keeping very quiet.   People had a fair crack. We just want as parents to make sure everything possible is being done.   There's been a huge response. We don't know what came into Crimestoppers or Leicestershire. We have not had access and clearly we want access, what's been done and not been done.   Kate: We're not taking over the investigation but we're obviously trying to do something ourselves.   Gerry: We are running an independent investigation and we believe it is an international enquiry and we will direct as much resources as we've got available into following up every lead.   Any information coming in will be scrutinised, graded, followed up and acted on.   Kate and I have been working behind the scenes on this with a few core people to launch today. There has been a considerable degree of planning over several weeks.   We need every call. Every bit of information is important to us. Considerable resources are being directed into this.   We might be overwhelmed.   There might be multiple reasons why people have not come forward. In isolation it might not mean anything but it might when you look at the bigger picture.   Kate: I hope its not a bind for people and they will understand but can you give it again and there might be some key information in there. Maybe it might make this move.   Gerry: We have a right to information and what has been done to our daughter and if we are not given the information we will try and do anything. Anybody who has contacted any authority should contact us.   Q: How do you see her?   Kate: When you picture her it's memories. I don't speculate on what situation she's in. It's memories. I don't have any vision if where she is now.   I just sense her still being there. It's hard to explain really. It's a sensation, a feeling. It is comforting, very comforting, that she's that bit closer.

Madeleine disappearance one year on - BBC News video, 01 May 2008

Madeleine disappearance one year on Page last updated at 06:43 GMT, Thursday, 1 May 2008 07:43 UK A look back at the disappearance and search for Madeleine McCann one year since she went missing. Watch BBC News video clip (05:37)

McCanns 'not given up hope' - BBC East Midlands Today, 01 May 2008

McCanns 'not given up hope' Gerry McCann: "We have always said that we would leave no stone unturned..." Page last updated at 13:32 GMT, Thursday, 1 May 2008 14:32 UK The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have said they have not given up hope of finding their daughter. Watch BBC East Midlands Today video clip (01:40)