Leading baby loss charities call on Government to halve the rate of stillbirth and babies dying shortly after birth by 2025

The Office for National statistics has published new figures on the rate of stillbirth and babies dying shortly after birth.

Figures for England highlight that while the rate of stillbirths is reducing, there is still a long way to go to meet the Government's ambition to reduce this by 50% by 2025.

Justin Irwin, Interim Chief Executive of the premature and sick baby charity Bliss, says: "We remain deeply concerned that figures on neonatal death show a lack of progress in recent years despite Government promises to make improvements. While the positive steps being taken to reduce stillbirths in England are to be much welcomed, it is clear that specific and targeted action is needed without delay to reduce neonatal deaths. The Government and NHS must redouble their efforts to introduce the improvements to neonatal care as outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan and the Neonatal Critical Care Transformation Review.

"In order to see a significant improvement in neonatal mortality figures, the Government must make good on its promise to invest in neonatal care."

See the full report on the Office for National Statistics website.