Campaigners have written a letter to Brent Central MP

Health campaigners have urged ousted minister Sarah Teather to support the battle to save an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department in the borough by joining a protest march.

Brent NHS campaigners and residents have challenged the MP for Brent Central to support their campaign against proposals to radically transform hospitals across eight North West London boroughs, including axing the A&E department at Central Middlesex Hospital (CMH) in Harlesden.

In a letter to Miss Teather, Pete Firmin, chairman of the borough’s anti cuts group Brent Fightback, wrote: “We urge you to speak out against the health authority’s plans and to make a clear public statement opposing the closure of all the A&E departments across North and West London.

It continued: “Should you make such a public statement, we would like to invite you to speak at the demonstration we are organising on Saturday September 15.”

On Tuesday, the Liberal Democrat MP became one of the casualties of Prime Minister David Cameron’s cabinet reshuffle and lost her role as minister for children and families.

She was replaced by fellow Liberal Democrat MP David Laws.

In a statement later that evening and amid widespread speculation that she will now begin the fight to retain her seat, Miss Teather said constituents were her ‘number one priority’.

Mr Firmin’s letter added: “You said in your comment after the government reshuffle “my number one priority will continue to be representing my constituents” and we would hope that you will put this into effect on this crucial issue.”

Under the proposals called Shaping a Healthier Future, the A&E department at CMH is guranteed to close while casualty departments are also threat at both Hammersmith and Ealing Hospitals.

Campaigners, who have fought vehemently against the plans, will assemble at 12pm on Saturday, September 15 at the Jubilee Clock in Harlesden High Street before marching to the hospital in Acton Lane.

Brent Council leader, Cllr Muhammed Butt will speak out at the protest as will members of Brent’s Green Party and public sector trade union, Unison.

Sarah Teather’s office failed to provide a response to the query.