EURO-MPs are expected to vote tomorrow for new research into whether deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is linked to air travel.

The move follows the death in October last year of Newport woman Emma Christoffersen. The Argus exclusively revealed how Ms Christoffersen, 28, from Llanmartin, died after stepping off a 20-hour flight from Australia.

She was a victim of DVT - dubbed economy class syndrome - which has links between the medical condition and long-haul air flights.

Her case was then reported in news media across the globe.

Now MEPs sitting in Strasbourg are expected to vote for new and extensive research to be conducted in to the issue of DVT and in a bid to reassure passengers.

Welsh MEP Glenys Kinnock is confident that the recommendations of a report from the parliament's transport committee, which will be considered by the full parliamentary plenary session this evening would be passed. She said: 'The EU must listen to growing public concern about the health risks of flying. We need urgent EU research to investigate possible links between DVT and air travel.

'Air passengers intending to fly are not told enough about possible health concerns. Although the risks are small, we must have pre-flight briefings and early user friendly information so that people are aware of flight health risks and can take precautions if they choose.'

Ms Christoffersons death triggered new concern about the disease.

It is thought that blood clots affect one in ten people on long haul flights. However, most of the clots are small and do not result in any noticeable affect. It is only when the clots are larger that fatality can result.

Emma's parents John and Ruth Christofferson have become staunch campaigners for more research into the causes of DVT.

The family are among those who are taking legal action against airlines over the condition.

The call for new research will be debated as part of a wider look at air passenger rights being conducted by the European parliament.

Draft legislation is being drawn up which aims to give travellers greater protection in cases where flights are delayed, for example.