Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to new ONS figures that show the infant mortality rate increased for the first time in five years in 2017, said:

“This data is deeply alarming and we urgently need an inquiry into this worrying upturn in infant deaths.

“Narrowing health inequalities and improving the health and wellbeing of every child will be an explicit aim of the next Labour government. In the coming months the Government’s 10 year health plan must follow Labour’s lead and prioritise child health outcomes.”