Barbara Keeley MP, Shadow Cabinet Minister for Mental Health and Social Care, commenting on the Health Select Committee’s report on Suicide Prevention, said:

“It is deeply troubling that 4,820 people are recorded as having died by suicide in England last year. That loss of life is unacceptable, particularly as suicide is preventable. More needs to be done to identify and support those who are at risk.

“It is of great concern that suicide is now the leading cause of death directly related to pregnancy in the year after mothers give birth. The report also highlights the fact that suicide is a health inequality issue, with people living in the most deprived areas being ten times more at risk of suicide than those in the most affluent group in the least deprived areas

“Labour has called for more support for public mental health and wellbeing.  The Government must address this and the need for services which identify and support those at risk. They must also ensure that suicide prevention is given greater priority, so that fewer families experience the heartache of losing a family member to suicide.”