MPs left in tears by speech describing baby’s death

British politicians were moved to tears as one MP explained in graphic detail how her baby daughter lived only five days.

In video from the House of Commons, Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft, swelled by deep emotion, describes how as a teenage mum she agreed to doctors turning off the life support machine that kept her baby alive.

She was then finally able to hold her daughter for the first time as her heartbeat gradually slowed.

With grim faced colleagues sitting around her, Ms Foxcroft goes on to say how she was treated “like a kid” by medical authorities and counsellors rather than a “grieving” mother.

The MP gave the speech during a parliamentary debate to mark baby loss awareness week in Britain.

Members from all political parties made contributions and some broke down in describing how they lost their babies.

The emotionally-charged debate was a rare departure from the often stuffy atmosphere of the historic chamber.

Research shows Britain has the fourth highest infant mortality rate of Western countries. The main causes include difficulties from premature birth, lack of oxygen before or during delivery and sudden infant deaths.

Experts have also pointed to lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking and later motherhood as factors in driving up infant mortality levels.