Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to Jeremy Hunt on the Today Programme, said:

“Any measures to improve the quality and safety of maternity care is welcome.

“However, the Government is offering no plans to address the serious financial crisis now facing the NHS and the shortage of midwives. It was the Tory government who promised us 3000 more midwives but have actually presided over a shortage of 3500 midwives in England. 

 “It’s simply not good enough for Theresa May to ignore the warning signs and turn her back on the NHS when patient care is suffering and services are at growing risk of closure.”