The Royal College of Midwives has launched a pledge to protect maternity services over fears that savings in the NHS may have an impact on the amount of money spent on midwives and maternity services.

Stephen McPartland MP for Stevenage said: "We are very lucky in Stevenage to have secured the development of a purpose-built maternity unit at the Lister Hospital, as part of the new Government's investment in our local health service. First class maternity services must be a priority, as we bring babies into this world safe and sound."

As well as supporting the pledge, Stephen will be a member of the Royal College of Midwives' Parliamentary Panel, a group of MPs who will work with the RCM to be advocates for mothers and babies, maternity services and midwives.

Cathy Warwick, General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: "I am delighted that Stephen has signed up to this pledge, and really welcome his support. I also look forward to working with him as a member of our Parliamentary Panel. We need people such as Stephen who are in positions of political influence to fight for maternity services from the inside, so his decision to join the panel is very much appreciated. It is imperative that spending on maternity does not fall and that it matches the demands placed on maternity services. Great strides have been made in maternity provision over recent years with increasing choice and more midwives. We need to be building on this welcome progress and protecting it for the future."