The Prime Minister was asked to justify the "disgraceful dismissal" of the people of Copeland, after health campaigners were denied entry to Downing Street to deliver a 20,000-signature petition.

Theresa May was challenged by Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi during Prime Minister's Questions yesterday - the day after Workington MP Sue Hayman and hospital campaigner Siobhan Gearing were snubbed by the Government.

The pair were due to hand a petition at the door of Number 10, as had been pre-agreed. When they arrived at the gates they were told they were not allowed in as it was "not a good day" - and to come back after Thursday.

Instead, they handed the petitions to a police officer on the gate who delivered them to Number 10.

When questioned, the Prime Minister said: "A petition was indeed delivered to Number 10, the petition was accepted by Number 10.

"I am aware of the issues that are being raised around the West Cumberland Hospital."

She added this was due to Conservative candidate Trudy Harrison, who has spoken to her and health ministers about the issues.

Keswick School pupil Matthew Andrews attended yesterday's Prime Minister's Questions.

The 16-year-old, who has previously campaigned with Labour's by-election hopeful Gillian Troughton, said: "It was fantastic to finally see a PMQs in the chamber. It was quite surreal."

The sixth-form pupil spent this week with the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice's (Richard Burgon MP) staff and Carolyn Harris MP from the Shadow Home Office team.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was "delighted" Matthew attended PMQs.