Local MPs whose constituents look to the Princess Royal hospital in Haywards Heath for their healthcare have pledged to campaign together in the light of the axe now hanging over key services including Accident and Emergency.

At a meeting in Westminster last week, the four local MPs, Norman Baker (Lib Dem-Lewes), Nicholas Soames (Con-Mid Sussex), Charles Hendry (Con-Wealden) and Nick Herbert (Con-Arundel and South Downs) met to plan a campaign of action. As a first step, a new reworded petition is being launched today, and the MPs are asking local Parish councils, community groups and GPs to help collect signatures.

The quartet also agreed in principle to seek a meeting with the new Health secretary and to hold another rally in the autumn. In addition, a new steering group is being formed with representatives from all political parties on it.

The four MPs say: “The current threat to the Princess Royal is the most serious the hospital has ever faced. This is a vital matter for local people. Our constituents would expect us to put aside Party differences on an issue like this, and we intend to do so.”

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• A copy of the new petition will shortly be available via the Support the Princess Royal Hospital website - click here to download a copy