CUMBRIA MPs give their support for a revolutionary opt-out system of organ donation.

Yesterday MPs again debated a bill to change legislation to presume consent for organ donation upon death.

Politicians took part in the Second Reading of the Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill proposed by Labour MP for Coventry North West, Geoffrey Robinson.

Latest figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant have revealed that 47 people across the county have died in the last five years waiting for an organ transplant.

MPs from across the benches spoke in support of the bill, which also has the backing of Prime Minister Theresa May .

The figure comes as research released on Tuesday revealed that almost three-quarters of English people are in favour of an opt-out organ donor system.

Among those backing the plans for an opt-out system are Copeland MP Trudy Harrison .

Mrs Harrison said: "Between 2016 to 2018 there were 1,169 deceased organ donors and 3,293 transplants in England which is the highest ever rate of organ donation.

"However, there are still more people waiting for transplants than there are sadly organs available resulting in people dying before a suitable organ becomes available.

"I am encouraging my Copeland constituents to engage with the consultation, and help change conversations towards organ donation by discussing openly to family and friends. These proposals to transform the way organ donation works are so important and I welcome the Government's commitment to the lifesaving power of organ donation."

MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron is also supporting the bill.

He said: "Having proposed a motion to Parliament last autumn to make organ donation opt-out rather than opt-in, I was pleased that the Government agreed to do this a few weeks later.

"Today’s debate is about making sure the Government delivers on its promise. On average someone in Cumbria dies every three months waiting for a transplant – the Government need to stop dragging their feet and make their promise a reality now."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also offered his support for the Bill in the Commons, telling MPs it would save lives.

Mr Corbyn said: "It's wonderful he's got this this Bill introduced and I hope today the House can pass it and thus save an awful lot of people's lives in the future."

MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Bill, with every MP in the chamber voting "aye".

Shadow health minister, Sharon Hodgson also gave her support for the bill.

She said: "I'm in the Chamber of @Geoffrey4CovNW Private Members Bill on Organ Donation. We need more people on Organ Donation Register so that everyone whose life could be saved by organ transplant can have the gift of life."

The bill will now go to committee stage, where detailed scrutiny of the bill will take place.