Commenting on figures released yesterday which show the first two year  increase in infant mortality rates in England and Wales for the last 30 years, former Health Minister, Norman Lamb said:

“Infant mortality has been in steep decline for over 30 years. However, this success cannot lead to complacency.

“Figures released today show there is a trend towards increased infant mortality rates over the last two years. Losing a child is one of the most heart-breaking experiences imaginable. The government must urgently examine the cause and what might be driving this disturbing reversal of historic falls in infant mortality. The fact that the NHS is under such strain may well be contributing to this.

“That is why the Liberal Democrats want to put a penny in the pound on income tax, to maintain and improve standards in the NHS.”

Notes:

Please find a breakdown on the figures here