An MP has called for a debate in parliament after the UK was named as one of the worst countries in the EU for child mortality.

Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough MP, Stuart Andrew (Cons), highlighted the issue during business of the house questions in the Commons.

He said: “The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the National Children’s Bureau published a report analysing the UK’s poor record on child mortality compared with the rest of Europe.

“The Department of Health’s children and young people’s health outcomes forum also acknowledged that the UK has a historically poor child mortality record. May we have an urgent debate to consider how we can ensure that the UK is the best place not only to end life, but to begin life?”

In response the Leader of the House, Andrew Lansley said he had initiated work to improve health outcomes for children and young people, which led to the work of the children and young people’s health outcomes forum.

He said: “It forms part of the NHS England mandate that my right honourable Friend the Secretary of State for Health has put in place and is a key part of Public Health England’s work.

“However, outcomes for children and young people depend on things far wider than what the health service does, such as being ready for school and avoiding periods when young people not in education, employment or training. Such measures are critical, which is why the Government are focused on them.”