Luciana Berger MP, Labour’s Shadow Public Health Minister, responding to the Health Select Committee report on Public Health England’s lack of independence and clarity of purpose, said:

“David Cameron’s Government created a body that is too weak to stand up to its damaging health policies.

“Labour warned that the body would not have the independence needed and this is proof of that. Sadly, the report is right to warn that public health experts were not sufficiently independent of the Government when arguing against Ministers’ dropped alcohol pricing proposals - unable to speak truth unto power.

“It’s worrying to hear that Public Health England has ‘not yet developed a clear set of priorities’ when they have such important work to do.

“Ministers must give experts the independence and support they need to promote and protect the nation’s health.”

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