Two Kent MPs are pressing the government over its meningitis vaccination policy following the death of a Maidstone toddler.

A petition on the subject, due to be debated by MPs in the coming weeks, became the most signed in Parliamentary history following the tragic death of two-year-old Faye Burdett, who died from the disease on Valentine's Day.

Yesterday Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately and Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone and the Weald, met Public Health Minister Jane Ellison to ask what steps could be taken to prevent further deaths.

These could include extending the vaccination programme and raising awareness of the symptoms among parents and health professionals.

Mrs Whately said: “I visited Neil and Jennifer Burdett and was moved by their determination that their daughter’s death should not be in vain.

“The fact that the petition has attracted so many signatures shows the strength of feeling about this disease – it’s a parent’s worst nightmare.

“I know the government is looking into what it can do and I am expecting the Public Health Minister to respond fully to the petition.”

A statement from 2014 produced by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the government on immunisation matters, had agreed to review the impact of an infant programme within two years – a deadline that expires next month.

Mrs Grant said: “In our discussion today, the Minister confirmed that she will be responding to a debate in Parliament on the matter, a date for which is yet to be set.

"I was also informed that prior to this, the petition committee will be holding an evidence session. I hope that the Government will look closely at the arguments presented.

"I will continue to monitor the situation carefully and my thoughts and prayers remain with the Burdett family.””