NEW figures revealed by Labour today show far fewer mothers breastfeed their babies in the North-West than in the South of England.

Labour’s analysis of breastfeeding at six to eight weeks after birth reveals serious discrepancies across the country with 57 per cent of babies are not breastfed in the North West compared with just 17 in London and 42 in the South West.

The study shows that 34 per cent of babies in the North West are totally or partially breastfed compared with 51 in London and the South West and below the national average of 44.5 per cent.

The release of the figures coincides with the start of National Breastfeeding Week as the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health warns that Britain’s breastfeeding record leaves ‘little to celebrate’.

Jon Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, said: “This stark regional inequality is entirely unacceptable given the known health benefits of breastfeeding to babies and mothers, including protection against infections and dental problems.

“ Urgent action is therefore required to ensure all our children are given the best possible start in life.

“That’s why Labour will ask Public Health England to develop a national strategy to change negative attitudes to breastfeeding and reduce health inequalities across the country. Labour will not let our children down.”