Tory-led Public Health Select Committee attacks the government's approach to public health

02 Nov 2011
Diane Abbott MP, the Shadow Public Minister, responds to the Public Health Select Committee’s damning indictment on ‘responsibility deals.’

‘Responsibility deals’ that rely on voluntary action by the fast-food business, manufacturers and retailers are failing. You cannot expect big business, which makes billions every year by marketing sugary, fatty and unhealthy foods to willingly limit its own profiteering. ‘Responsibility deals’ just camouflage the fact the government is refusing to take action on issues like trans-fats and minimum pricing for alcohol. And it is refusing to take action precisely because Lansley is in the pocket of big business. This approach ends up camouflaging the fact that real change is not happening.

‘The number of people with diabetes is soaring, we have an obesity crisis on our hands, and we are seeing a rising tide of harm from binge-drinking in our hospitals, yet the government’s public health policies are in crisis. The message from health professionals, key health groups and experts is clear: we need tough action now and a proper, long-term strategy to stem rising tide of lifestyle-related problems tomorrow.

‘We need a national movement to tackle these problems, with proper leadership from the government.’

--ENDS--

Notes To Editors:

1) The new report says: ‘The Committee were, however, unconvinced that the new Responsibility Deal will be effective in resolving issues such as obesity and alcohol abuse and expect the Department of Health to set out clearly how progress will be monitored and tougher regulation applied if necessary. Those with a financial interest must not be allowed to set the agenda foe health improvement.’
2) Responsibility deals: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/mar/15/lansley-health-strategy-flounders-refuse
3) Sarah Wollaston’s attack on the government is here: http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/newsarticle-content/-/article_display_list/12868579/conservative-mp-challenges-cameron-on-public-health-policy
4) NHS funds being moved to richer areas: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14356517
5) See page 68 to show slashed budgets on public health campaigns for this current year 11/12:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_126449.pdf
6) Details of Change4Life funding: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10541190 , http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/jul/07/andrew-lansley-change4life-obesity and http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/jun/05/healthy-oven-chips-get-government-go-ahead
7) Lansley’s refusal to properly ban trans fats: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1291041/They-kill-7-000-people-year-trans-fats-wont-banned.html
8) Predicted 26 million obese to cost NHS extra £2bn: http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-specialisms/public-health/predicted-26-million-obese-to-cost-nhs-extra-2bn/5034246.article




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