MQ reacts to Labour’s health plans

Last week MQ’s CEO Lea Milligan attended a reception in Manchester, along with other leaders from the health sector, to hear from Sir Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting about the Labour party’s plans for improving the nations health.

The event has launched Labour’s Health Mission Tour and is the first in a series of events and health-focused visits across the North-West. The event was also attended by Dr Lade Smith CBD, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and other leaders and CEO’s from charities including Rethink Mental Illness, Alzheimer’s UK and the Institute of Health Visiting.

Now is the time to put pressure on politicians

Over the last year MQ has joined organisations from across the mental health sector to call for urgent investment in mental health care and research. The Royal College of Psychiatrists have published their manifesto for preventing mental illness which outlines five priorities such as investing in research and supporting the workforce.

MQ supported the Mentally Healthier Nations call from the Centre for Mental health which is calling on all political parties to commit to improving mental health in their election manifestos.

“Ill health is a product of where we live, our work (including how much money we have), the air we breathe, the discrimination we face, our access to transport and open green spaces – and many more factors.”

Says Dr Sarah Clarke, President of the Royal College of Physicians who have welcomed the Child Health Action plan Labour announced at this weeks event.

“Pledged action such as introducing a 9pm watershed for junk food advertising on television, supporting legislation to achieve a smoke-free generation, and establishing a cross-department mission delivery board with a focus on inequalities will make a positive difference.”

Watch the reaction from healthcare experts, including MQ’s Lea Milligan, to Labours healthcare mission here: