Havant MP Alan Mak has backed the final report of the Jo Cox Loneliness Commission, which was published today (Friday 15 December).
The Commission was established by Jo Cox before her murder in June 2016 and has been continued to carry forward her determination to turbo-charge the national response. Alan has been a spokesperson for the campaign over the last 12 months as wells as supporting the Commission’s #HappyToChat initiative at his Havant Older Persons Information Fair earlier this year.
The report concludes that ‘Tackling loneliness is a generational challenge that can only be met by concerted action by everyone. Governments, employers, businesses, civil society organisations, families, communities and individuals all have a role to play.’
It identifies ‘a gap in national leadership on loneliness’ and argues that, ‘While central Government cannot solve loneliness alone, it can play a role in galvanising the key players, catalysing action, assessing and comparing progress, and holding those who need to act accountable.’
Alan Mak MP said: “It’s been an honour to support the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness over the last year, carrying forward Jo’s work to tackle loneliness. In my own constituency, the Commission’s #HappyToChat campaign was a central part of my Older Persons Information Fair, encouraging the thousand people who came on the day to spend a little bit more time talking to friends, family, neighbours and colleagues in an effort to combat loneliness.
“More than 9 million people in the UK – almost a fifth of the population – say they are always or often lonely, which is why I am delighted that the commission will continue its work with the formation of an All Party Parliamentary Group on Loneliness. Rachel Reeves and Seema Kennedy have worked tirelessly to put together this report, and their inspirational work continues to engage people across the country.
“I welcome this report, and by implementing its recommendations we can go a long way towards tackling loneliness in the UK.”
The cross-party Commission, led by joint chairs, Rachel Reeves MP and Seema Kennedy MP has also been supported by Jo’s sister, Kim Leadbeater. The Commission, which is supported by thirteen leading charities and businesses, notes that loneliness affects people of all ages and has a profoundly damaging impact on the nation’s health, wellbeing and economy.
- Over 9 million adults are often or always lonely;
- Loneliness is as harmful to health as obesity or smoking 15 cigarettes a day;
- Three-quarters of GPs say they see up to five patients every day who are lonely;
- Loneliness is estimated to cost employers £2.5 billion every year.
Among its conclusions, the report calls for:
- A UK wide strategy for loneliness across all ages, led by Government, but built on the experience of others including the NHS, voluntary and community sector and business.
- A nominated lead Minister to drive action on loneliness across Government.
- A Family and Relationships Test, so every new Government policy is assessed for its impact on loneliness.
- Easy-to-understand messages to help individuals connect with others and avoid loneliness
- Government match-funding for an innovation fund to stimulate radical new solutions to loneliness across all ages.
Rachel Reeves and Seema Kennedy said: “This report shares the ideas the Commission has worked on over the past year, and it challenges national government to step forward and lead a renewed push to tackle loneliness. But we know that loneliness will not end until we all recognise the role we can play in making that happen.
“Jo always looked forwards, not back: she would have said that what matters most now are the actions, big and small, that people take in response to the Commission’s work. That’s a responsibility for all of us.”
Picture: Alan Mak MP with Jo Cox Loneliness Commission co-chair Seema Kennedy MP