Tougher sentences will be handed out to those caught dealing fentanyl thanks to the brave efforts of a Deal mum.

Michelle Parry, whose teenage son Robert was killed by the synthetic opioid in 2016, has successfully fought to ensure the drug is put in the top category for harm.

It's been possible because of the backing of Deal and Dover MP Charlie Elphicke and his team, who have championed her bid to highlight the dangers of the drug, which is 50 times stronger than heroin.

Mr Elphicke secured a Commons' debate at Westminster Hall yesterday entitled ‘Sentences for supplying Fentanyl – Fighting for Robert’s Law’.

It was during the debate that Justice Minister Rory Stewart announced the new rules which he said were "vital in deterring people from supplying and importing these drugs."

Mr Stewart said: “It’s no coincidence that it was yesterday that the Sentencing Council published this guideline, with the debate brought by the Member for Dover and Deal today.

“This now moves the expert witness to state that fentanyl will be in the top category of Class A drugs for prosecution. This is going to be absolutely vital. It’s going to be vital in deterring people from supplying and importing these drugs.

“I really want to pay tribute to the Honourable Member for Dover and Deal. His leadership and his championing has led to two important changes which I can honestly say would not have happened as rapidly had it not been for his work.”

Alongside the new Sentencing Council guidance, the Crown Prosecution Service also issued new guidance for its prosecutors in March, instructing them to urge judges to hand out tougher sentences.

Mrs Parry, who attended the debate with her daughter Amy, said she was "in shock".

Her son, a former Castle Community College pupil and an avid skateboarder, was just 18 when he died.

Police believe a dealer gave him the drug as a “freebie”, while across the country dealers are secretly adding it to increase profits. A surge of overdoses has followed.

Mrs Parry said: "We did it! We've achieved Robert's Law.

"The fact that we’ve got new guidance that dealing fentanyl should be in the most serious category means we have made a real difference.

“This campaign is so important – not just for me, but for every parent.

"By bringing in Robert’s Law we will save lives. That will be my boy’s legacy."

Mr Elphicke says it is good news for the whole country and has commended Mrs Parry's bravery.

He said: “Dealers do not need to add this poison to their product. They do so callously for profit. Now they will have to seriously consider if it is worth it.

“Sometimes government work can be slow, but with Robert’s Law we fought hard and saw action quickly. I want to thank everyone involved.

“I am particularly delighted for Robert’s mum Michelle who has been so brave. She knows it won’t bring her boy back, but it will save many other young lives.”

South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay has also welcomed the news.

He said: “I was pleased to support Charlie Elphicke in his debate. He spoke up persuasively for Michelle Parry from Deal, who lost her son Robert tragically because of the lethal effects of fentanyl.

“This is a killer opioid mimic man-made drug that is killing tens of thousands annually in the United States.

“I thank the Minister, Rory Stewart, for recognising the seriousness of this problem and congratulate Michelle and Charlie on their successful campaign.”