Oral Answers to Questions

Tracey Crouch Excerpts

Thursday 27th October 2022 Commons Chamber

[Oliver Dowden]

The hon. Lady, as a former colleague of mine in Downing Street during the coalition days, will remember that we do not ever comment on issues in relation to the security services. However, in all leak inquiries, as she may recall, everyone is interviewed, so I would not read too much into some of those reports.

[Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con)]

Poor mental health costs the economy £118 billion per annum, obesity-related diseases cost the NHS £6.5 billion every year and ill health in England’s most deprived communities costs £30 billion, yet schemes that would improve the nation’s wellbeing and reduce those sums are scattered across Whitehall Departments and buried low down in their priorities. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how his Department can lead a wellbeing strategy to improve the physical, mental and economic health of the nation?

[Oliver Dowden]

I know my hon. Friend’s passionate commitment to that cause, and I would be delighted to meet her to discuss it.