The Guardian view on public health: if Labour is serious about reducing illness, it must focus on causes | Editorial

"Dramatic increases in life expectancy are one of the defining achievements of the modern era. From 56 years for men and 60 for women in the UK a century ago, this vital measure of the quantity of life rose to 79 and 83 respectively in 2022. The trend towards increased longevity is global, although not all countries have seen gains on the same scale, and the pandemic sent it into temporary reverse."

"Quality of life is a different matter. Estimates of healthy life expectancy the number of years during which people are in good health are less reliable and more subjective than data based on deaths. But chronic and long-term illnesses have become more prevalent in the UK (and other western countries) as overall life expectancy has risen. Recent years have also seen highly troubling rises in health inequalities, including infant mortality and obesity."

"Last week, two thinktanks warned of worsening mortality rates across all four UK nations compared with other highincome countries. For the UK government, which shares responsibility for health with the devolved administrations, the challenge is to reduce the toll of illness and disability so that more people live well for longer. If they are to succeed, finding ways to prevent as well as cure diseases is crucial. This shift is one of three big themes of Labour's health policy."

"So it is alarming that, just two months after the launch of his 10-year plan, Wes Streeting is facing criticism from experts. In particular, the heads of the King's Fund and Health Foundation are concerned that lobbying by the food, alcohol and tobacco industries have led to restrictions on junk food and alcohol advertising being watered down as happened under the Conservatives."

Life expectancy in the UK rose from about 56 for men and 60 for women a century ago to 79 and 83 respectively in 2022. Increased longevity is a global trend, but the pandemic caused a temporary reversal and not all countries have benefited equally. Healthy life expectancy estimates are less reliable, and chronic and long-term illnesses have become more prevalent as overall life expectancy rose. Recent years have seen troubling increases in health inequalities, including infant mortality and obesity. Government priorities include reducing illness and disability, and shifting toward prevention amid concerns about industry influence on public health measures.

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