MP GUY Opperman has shared his experience of child loss in a new interview.

The Conservative MP for Hexham and Ponteland called for better maternity care and support for bereaved parents on Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast.

The employment minister and his wife Flora lost twin boys Teddy and Rafe in the summer of 2020.

He said: "Flora and I did IVF and struggled for very many years to conceive, and eventually, had twins who we managed to get just beyond 20 weeks and then sadly, in Covid, they came too early.

"One came and went very quickly and the second child lived for a very long and difficult day but we were able to share that day with them."

He described that day as 'priceless' and said he and his wife spent time communicating their hopes and dreams, fears and sadness with their baby while holding his hand.

Mr Opperman explained to Sophy Ridge how he had been phoned by the hospital to say Flora had begun giving birth at 21 going into 22 weeks; Covid restrictions at the time meant he was not able to be with her all of the time.

"You never regret the journey you've been on or trying", he said. "Albeit like many parents, we weren't able to take our children home.

"It's very tough. All around you, mums and dads are giving birth and you're tucked away in a corner of a hospital trying to save a child or in reality, knowing because you've been given pretty good advice, that it's very unlikely that your child will either survive or will survive in a healthy form, and if you can take said chidren home, there's a high degree of risk of significant deformity or disability by reason of coming so early."

In his role, Mr Opperman is now campaigning for better outcomes and services for all and to represent others, and is backing The Miscarriage Leave Bill.

Mr Opperman and Flora welcomed their third child, eight-month-old Christopher 'Kitto', who was described by his proud father as living his life smiling, in 2022.

READ MORE: MP Guy Opperman welcomes baby boy with wife Flora