Exercise and Sports
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of sport and physical activity on supporting the shift from sickness to prevention.
Answered by Mrs Sharon Hodgson
Reducing physical inactivity in people of all ages is important in helping people live longer, healthier lives through both the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
The Chief Medical Officer's advice is clear that every little bit of movement counts and that the greatest health benefits are from enabling people currently less active to move a bit more. This is why building movement into people’s everyday lives is a key part of the Government’s Health Mission to shift from sickness to prevention.
As committed to in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will develop a national movement campaign led by Sir Brendan Foster to inspire millions to move more, develop a new scheme to showcase how places are supporting people within communities to increase their activity levels, and work with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on the Government’s plan for addressing physical inactivity.
The Government has recently announced a £1 billion investment to deliver the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network to ensure all children can access equal opportunities for physical activity. This is alongside wider investment in grassroots sport, leisure facilities, and cycling and walking infrastructure to promote active travel.
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