Labour will put people’s health at the top of its agenda

Northumberland Labour says a national Labour government will bring joined-up thinking to government departments to tackle the social inequalities that affect people’s health.

Leader Scott Dickinson said: “We’re pleased to be in a party where the things that adversely affect people’s health and life chances are going to be front and centre of a new national Labour government. All government departments will be required to look at the impact on people’s health of anything they’re planning.

“For example, banning junk food advertising until after 9pm and banning marketing vapes to children is just common sense, but the current government has not seen it as a priority.

“To make the improvements in health that have been eroded over 13 years of a Tory government we will need government departments to think and act in a different, joined up and much more responsible way.

“We know poor housing affects people’s health, either because people can’t afford to heat their homes or, worse still, they’re living with things like mould in damp houses which particularly affects children. Tragically in 2023 we’ve seen children dying in mouldy homes because the government has not tackled the irresponsible landlords who let these awful properties.

“Surely in 2023 we can do better than this and under a labour government we can. A new ‘decent homes standard’ will ensure landlords meet standards we should all expect; a clean, decent home that is economical to heat.

“It’s also good to see that a Labour government will prioritise mental health support for people of all ages. Mental and physical health go together and a Labour government will be committed to reversing the fall in life expectancy and rise in inequalities which we’ve seen in the last 13 years. Our legacy will be one of being on the side of ordinary people, not just the chosen few.”