12-05-2025
Campaigners ask government to tackle three biggest killers
A campaign group is calling on the government to tackle preventable illnesses and relieve pressure on the NHS by focusing on alcohol, smoking and obesity.
Using a nationally representative survey by Public First for Action and Smoking on Health, the Alcohol Health Alliance, and the Obesity Health Alliance, the organisations found widespread concern about the health impact of these habits in the North West.
In Blackburn with Darwen, there were 34 deaths caused by alcohol in 2023, while 30.8 per cent of the population was deemed to be obese.
It was also revealed that 19.4 per cent of adults in the borough smoked in 2022.
Data produced by the campaigners revealed that 52 per cent put the NHS in their top three most important issues in government.
Within this, 88 per cent believe tobacco contributes to pressure on NHS services, and 86 per cent of respondents thought both alcohol and unhealthy food contribute.
The survey also said 79 per cent of people agreed with levies on tobacco companies, 72 per cent on unhealthy food companies and 62 per cent on similar levies for alcohol manufactures.
Executive at Action on Smoking and Health said: 'People in the North West — like people across the country — have lost trust in industries that profit from harm, and they want to see the government do more to prevent poor health, as they promised to when elected.
'People are clear: when it comes to protecting our health and relieving pressure on the NHS, businesses must be held to account.
'This research shows strong support for bold, evidence-based action to tackle the damage caused by tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food. Now is the time for a joined-up prevention strategy that puts public health first."
READ MORE: Excess belly fat 'impairs learning, memory and emotion control in teenagers'
READ MORE: Organisations urge Prime Minister to tackle 'root causes' of poor mental health
Across the UK, alcohol, obesity and smoking are responsible for tens of thousands of cancer cases and cut short millions of lives.
All three organisations behind the survey are now urging ministers to take stronger preventive action.
Katharine Jenner, Director, Obesity Health Alliance, said: 'A healthy population is the foundation of a strong economy, yet we're constantly bombarded with unhealthy food and drink on our screens, our streets, and even outside school gates.
'While some companies are making changes—reformulating products, cutting sugar, and removing junk food from checkouts—there needs to be more urgency.
'If there's a choice between business growth and public health, 79 per cent of people in the North West agree: government should put health first.'
