THE family of a North Yorkshire doctor struck off for his involvement in the death of an Iraqi detainee has launched a fresh campaign to allow him to return to work.

Supporters of Derek Keilloh are seeking nationwide backing - despite the former Northallerton GP announcing last week that he would not appeal the decision to remove him from the medical register.

The campaign has been launched by Dr Keilloh’s parents-in-law, Judy and Robert Nicholls, of Askrigg, North Yorkshire.

Mrs Nicholls, whose daughter Emma is married to the doctor, said they wanted the support of everyone – not just his former patients.

She added: “We have been completely over-whelmed by the support that Derek has had and by the way people have been describing him, saying he is such a good doctor.

“They are the people who matter because they know him and know the quality of his work. But now we want to expand the campaign so it’s not just his patients who are supporting him.

“Other people can sign it knowing what the local people who know him best have said about him.”

More than 600 people have already signed an on-line petition launched by Dr Keilloh’s former patients, while a Facebook site backing the doctor has attracted 900 followers.

A new petition has been launched at you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/encourage-the-mpts-gmc-to-allow-dr-keilloh-to-return-to-work Supporters are also being urged to write to Richmond MP William Hague, their own MP and David Pearl, chairman of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.

The Nicholls are hoping the campaign will get the backing of MPs and people with a national profile.

“Derek can re-apply to be put back on the register in five years time and a big show of public opinion now whilst the issue is still on the agenda might work in his favour when he makes that application,” Mrs Nicholls said.

“Many people in the country are oblivious of the fact that it has happened and/or think that Derek was involved in the torture in Iraq.”

Dr Keilloh, 38, was found guilty of misleading and dishonest conduct after the death of Iraqi prisoner Baha Mousa, 26, in Basra in 2003.