Britain is in terrible shape says Sir Michael Marmot, as 100 experts convene to discuss wellbeing and physical activity
Over 100 experts in health and wellbeing gathered in central London yesterday (Friday 8 September) at the invitation of Kim Leadbeater MP, to discuss how a future Labour government in the UK could deliver policies for a "healthier happier and more productive Britain."
Leadbeater, MP for the Batley and Spen constituency, organised the event as a follow-up to her recent strategy document – Healthy Britain: A new approach to health and wellbeing policy – published by The Fabian Society.
The report makes the case that, just as it has become commonplace to evaluate policy through a ‘green lens’ to determine environmental sustainability, a ‘health and wellbeing lens’ should also be applied during decision making.
"By adopting a comprehensive strategy towards improving the health and wellbeing of the country and its citizens, Labour can offer a fresh and positive vision for Britain’s future," Leadbeater said.
"Where prevention and early intervention take priority; and where investing time, energy and resources in people’s health and wellbeing helps them as individuals, supports families, communities and businesses and helps us all become more prosperous, more productive and happier."
The London event saw speakers including Professor Sir Michael Marmot, shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting and former cabinet secretary Lord Gus O'Donnell.
Streeting said "It's been a long time since the UK has had a government seriously committed to health and wellbeing and that as a result. Britain is paying a serious price for inactivity."
He said tackling these challenges will require an effort across government, in partnership with the third sector and business, saying "if there's one word that suns up Starmerism, it's prevention".
Marrmot said: "Health and wellbeing should be at the heart of everything we ask politicians to do."
Referring to his Marmot Review into a fair society and health lives, he said that since it was published in 2010, when Labour had just left office, inequality in health has increased and life expectancy outside London had fallen. He warned that "Britain is in terrible shape" and that "the next Labour government must create a society in which everyone can flourish."
Other speakers included Anneliese Dodd, shadow women and equalities minister, Paul Gately, professor of exercise and obesity at Leeds Beckett University and Lord Richard Lanyard, co-founder of Action for Happiness.
Commenting after the event, Leadbeater said: “I’m delighted my report has helped stimulate such a wide-ranging and detailed discussion about what needs to be done to make Britain not just healthier and happier, but also more productive and more equal.
“There are huge challenges facing an incoming Labour government and nobody is suggesting that fixing all these problems will be quick or easy, but across the party we are doing the hard work and the hard thinking in opposition that will prepare us for the task ahead.”
BACKGROUND
Healthy Britain: A new approach to health and wellbeing policy
The proposed policies in the report include:
• Making physical education a core subject at secondary schools and having trained PE specialists in all primary schools.
• Putting physical literacy and wellbeing at the heart of a ‘curriculum for life’.
• Supporting positive mental health from an early age and throughout life.
• Increasing social prescribing and curbing the over-prescribing of drugs and medication.
• Enforcing legally binding standards for healthy homes and town and country planning.
• Giving communities the power to promote social wellbeing locally.
• Establishing ring-fenced budgets for active travel schemes.
• Offering incentives for businesses to support a healthy workforce.
"Sir Michael Marmot wellbeing Fabian Society Labour Kim Leadbeater'More productive and happier' – Kim Leadbeater calls for transformation in UK wellbeing policy
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
