Huddersfield MP, Barry Sheerman also wants action.

He said: “This is a matter of critical importance to the Yorkshire region.

“The Government has so far failed to respond to an energetic all party campaign and we now seek the assurance that the Leeds centre will remain open, fully staffed and supported.”

The Court of Appeal has granted the Joint Committee of PCTs leave to appeal the response to the Judicial Review by the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust. A full hearing will be held on either March 19 or 20.

Jeremy Glyde, safe and sustainable programme director, said: “Members of the joint committee of primary care trusts, professional associations and parent groups have highlighted the importance of reaching decisions urgently.

“We are pleased the Court of Appeal has acknowledged the urgency of this case by scheduling the hearing as soon as possible.

“We recognise that further delay is undesirable particularly for families and NHS staff. Assuming a successful outcome at appeal, the Joint Committee of PCTs remains committed to making a decision on the future of children’s congenital heart services in the spring.”

There are 11 children’s heart surgery units in the UK but the NHS Safe and Sustainable team is proposing to reduce the number to either six or seven.