A KENT MP has described a meeting with Gordon Brown over violence in films, DVDs and video games as "encouraging".

Julian Brazier met the Prime Minister at Downing Street to discuss his campaign to introduce a public appeals process for age certificates decided by the British Board of Film Classification.

The Canterbury and Whitstable MP is also concerned about the increase of violent scenes and images in cinema releases with 12 and 15 certificates and the availabilty on DVD of a previously banned Italian film, SS Experiment Camp.

"He seemed to be concerned and was taking notes during our meeting, which is always a good sign," said Mr Brazier.

"I was sad that the Government chose to block my bill, but I think there’s some chance that we’ll make some solid progress on this matter."

The second reading of Mr Brazier’s Private Member’s Bill in the Commons overran, causing the Government to block the motion.

However, the chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee Keith Vaz joined Mr Brazier at Westminster to lend his support to the campaign.

The Labour MP for Leicester East was accompanied by one of his former constituents and now Gravesend resident Giselle Pakeerah.

Her son Stefan was murdered in a violent attack by a young man in February, 2004. She and her husband claim Stefan’s attacker had been influenced by violent scenes in a video game called Manhunt, although standards bodies have always dismissed the claims.

The game was subsequently withdrawn by several high street retailers following the conviction of a 17-year-old who pleaded guilty to the attack in July, 2004.

Mr Brazier is now considering where to take his campaign next and says he may consult with his own party on how to develop a long-term strategy.

"If the Government digs its heels in and doesn’t decide to take a firm stance on this, that’s the point when I will have to go back to my front bench colleagues and talk it through," he added.