Yvette Cooper said women and babies are too often treated as “second-class patients” by the NHS and pledged new national maternity standards. Speaking at Labour’s conference in Liverpool, the Health Secretary said improving maternity care and support for families with young children would be a priority, following reviews of hospital cases in which poor care contributed to deaths or serious injuries.

The standards, due later this year, are to cover baby loss and care after pregnancy, and the Government will appoint an independent maternity and neonatal commissioner. Cooper also pledged to restore Sure Start-style health services in up to 1,000 family hubs over two years, including support with infant feeding, parents’ mental health and bonding. She additionally announced almost £50 million for specialist GP referral services for people affected by domestic abuse.