Tony Blair calls for lifestyle change in the UK

But, he says government does have a role in encouraging healthier lifestyles.

The PM has indicated he would consider banning advertising of junk food to children to boost public health.

Speaking on the eve of the Nottingham speech, Mr Blair said he has become less worried that bringing in such measures would be portrayed as “nanny state” politics.

“It has got to be about prevention as much as about cure,” Mr Blair said on Tuesday at a Labour party event.

“The question is what can the Government do for the future to encourage more healthy lifestyles and living.”

He said the debate was “important because going forward we can’t afford the healthcare costs if we don’t take some of the responsibility as individuals for our healthcare.”

He added: “We are in a situation where no matter how much money we spend on health, if we are carrying more cases of diabetes than we need, losing vast sums on treating alcohol abuse and smoking; if we are in a position where we are still carrying these costs, in time we have got a crunch in policy down the line.”

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The UK Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, commented on Tony Blair’s speech on public health, in which he said it was the job of the Government to empower individuals rather than command them to lead healthier lives.  
Thursday 27th July 2006