National Heart Month

February is 'Heart Month' - a time when we shine a light on cardiovascular disease and the everyday steps that can reduce risk, like healthy eating and exercise.

Last year, I was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect. It will require significant intervention at some point in the future. So this isn’t just an issue I care about professionally, it’s become an issue very close to my heart personally too (pardon the pun).

That’s why I’m determined to use my platform in Parliament to do what I can to help drive change.

Yesterday, working with the British Heart Foundation, I presented stark evidence to the Backbench Business Committee: cardiovascular disease causes over 170,000 deaths each year in the UK, more than a quarter of all deaths, with one life lost every three minutes.

I also formally requested a debate in Parliament on this issue. It’s the first time I’ve ever made a request like this, and it’s a serious, formal process. But I'm please to report that the request has been accepted and a debate will be held soon.

You can watch my full remarks and the reasons behind the request here: