A powerful coalition of charities, campaigners and bereaved families have issued an urgent appeal to the UK Government.
More than 100 organisations and individuals have signed an open letter addressed to James Murray, urging him to safeguard ongoing reforms aimed at improving maternity and neonatal care across the country.
The appeal comes after the departure of former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, under whose leadership campaigners say meaningful progress had begun to address long-standing failings in care.
Families and campaigners say there is growing concern that momentum could now be lost, despite continued reports of avoidable maternal deaths, baby loss and traumatic births affecting families nationwide.
At the heart of the appeal is a call to protect the independence of a major national investigation led by Baroness Amos, alongside a demand for swift action on its findings.
Campaigners are urging the Government to:
- Continue national leadership on maternity and neonatal safety
- Act fully and without delay on upcoming recommendations
- Maintain engagement with bereaved families
- Invest in safer staffing and bereavement support
- Accelerate efforts to prevent avoidable harm and death
Leila Hobart, founder of Little Wings of Hope and co-author of the letter, said too many families are still living with the consequences of failures in care.
The Witham based charity founder said: “Parents who have lost babies, mothers living with trauma, and families still searching for answers cannot be forgotten because of political change.
“For the first time in a long time, many families felt there was real progress. This must continue with urgency, transparency and compassion. Lives depend on it.”
Amneet Graham of Willows Rainbow Box echoed those concerns, stressing that families have already waited too long for change.
“This review is meant to tackle inequalities and improve care,” she said.
“This collective statement is about making sure maternity and neonatal care remains a national priority, regardless of political shifts.”
The letter also highlights ongoing efforts to address inequalities affecting Black and Asian mothers and babies, alongside improvements in safety systems and bereavement support services.
The coalition is now calling on the Government to publicly reaffirm its commitment to maternity and neonatal safety, warning that any delay could have devastating consequences for families across the UK.
