IF the childrens’ heart unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle is closed, then a child in Newcastle who needs urgent treatment for a heart problem may not get to Leeds in time to survive.

If the childrens’ heart unit in Leeds is closed, then a child in Leeds who needs urgent treatment for a heart problem may not reach the Freeman Hospital in time to survive.

If a child does die after of one of these units is closed, when that child could otherwise have survived, then there would be nothing that any minister can say to justify the closure of that unit.

We are now hearing that economic experts are urging the Chancellor to think again on public spending cuts, as those being imposed by the Government go too far and risk ruining the economy.

The Government must swallow its pride and review what it is doing.

Jeremy Whiting, Chester-le-Street.