In response to confirmation that Public Health England will be abolished, Dr Onkar Sahota AM, Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee, said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight onto the disgraceful, unnecessary and tragic world that leads to one Londoner dying far earlier than another through no fault of their own. It’s terrible that if you live in certain areas in London, if you are poor, work in certain industries or are part of a disadvantaged group, you have a worse experience of health services, are likely to spend more years in ill health, and to die earlier.
“Public Health England had an important role in improving people’s health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities. News that the body will be abolished is significant, as this work must continue and even more needs to be done by the successor body to tackle these issues, especially in London. The London Assembly Health Committee will keep a close eye on these developments and the organisational change to make sure eyes are kept on the ball.”
Notes to editors
- Dr Onkar Sahota AM, Chair of the Health Committee is available for interview. See contact details below.
- London Assembly Health Committee
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Lam on 020 7084 2713. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.