LIVES could be lost after politicians deliberately blocked a bill designed to teach children first aid.

The Compulsory Emergency First Aid Education bill had support from some MPs from all parties, including Colchester’s Will Quince who spoke out in favour.

However his colleagues, including Education Secretary Sam Gyimah, deliberately “talked out” the bill in the House of Commons.

When a proposed law is not supported by the Government it only has a limited time to be debated and voted on or it is shelved.

Politicians can deliberately keep talking to prevent a vote being taken and then the time runs out.

The bill would have required schools to teach first aid and CPR as part of the national curriculum.

It had the support of St John Ambulance, the British Red Cross, and the British Heart Foundation.

Mr Quince said: “I think the main objections were cost, pressure on the curriculum and need to ensure quality training.”

Earlier on Friday Mr Quince confirmed, via Twitter, his support for the plan which he reaffirmed during the debate.

Labour MP Teresa Pearce, who proposed the bill, called for Parliamentary rules to be changed to stop this being allowed in the future.

There were not enough MPs to force an end to the debate meaning no vote was taken.