Image caption Should MPs look to the heavens for guidance?

A Conservative MP has spoken of his belief in astrology and his desire to incorporate it into medicine.

David Tredinnick said he had spent 20 years studying astrology and healthcare and was convinced it could work.

The MP for Bosworth, a member of the health committee and the science and technology committee, said he was not afraid of ridicule or abuse.

"There is no logic in attacking something that has a proven track record," he told BBC News.

He said he had studied the Indian astrological system Iahiri and the way it was used by that country's government and recalled how Chris Patten, Britain's last governor of Hong Kong, had an official astrologer, whom Mr Tredinnick had consulted while on a parliamentary delegation there.

Image copyright BBC News Image caption David Tredinnick has created astrological charts for his fellow MPs

The MP recently spoke about his beliefs at the Glastonbury Festival, sharing a platform with Daily Mail astrologer Jonathan Cainer.

Recalling the experience in the House of Commons, he said he had been invited to take part because of his "radical agenda" on complementary medicine - he is vice-chairman of the government's herbals working group.

He said he had been the subject of much ridicule for his beliefs over the years, including a fake Twitter account entitled "Inside the head of David Tredinnick", but many of the sceptics who had attacked him were "bullies" who had "never studied the subjects".

"I am absolutely convinced that those who look at the map of the sky for the day that they were born and receive some professional guidance will find out a lot about themselves and it will make their lives easier," he told MPs.

Image caption The signs of the zodiac have been used for centuries

Explaining his beliefs to BBC News, Mr Tredinnick said he had been right about herbal remedies and healing, which he said were now becoming accepted in parts of the NHS, and he now wanted to promote astrology, which was not just predicting the future but gaining an insight into personal problems.

He stopped short of suggesting astrological readings on the NHS, but said he wanted to raise awareness of it as an alternative among patients and clinicians.

"I think it's something that people should be aware of as an option they have if they are confused about themselves."

He said he had compiled astrological charts for his fellow MPs - he declined to reveal names - adding: "If you look at the charts I have done for people I have certainly made their lives easier."