Edward Garnier, MP for Harborough, Oadby & Wigston, has been supporting the campaign to prevent and then reverse the decision to close down the Heart Unit at Glenfield. Writing to Andrew Lansley CBE MP, Secretary of State for Health, on 6 July he said “I am deeply disappointed with the decision and would like to bring a delegation of Leicestershire MPs to see you on a cross-party basis to discuss the matter”. Leicestershire Conservative MPs, Andrew Brigden and Nicky Morgan, with Labour MPs Liz Kendall and Jon Ashworth then met Simon Burns MP, Minister of State for Health, last Tuesday to discuss the matter and discussions are ongoing to save the Heart Unit although owing to his ministerial duties Edward Garnier was unable to attend the meeting at its rearranged time.
Mr Garnier has also sent hundreds of signatures on a petition from his constituents opposing the decision to the Secretary of State for Health. If the online petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it could trigger a debate in Westminster Hall, although that could not take place until September or later this the autumn.