APPG on Environmental Health a major opportunity for UK public health policy

The commitment of eight more parliamentarians is needed to officially launch an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on environmental health. The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has been leading efforts to establish an APPG, which it argues is essential for helping the UK Government meet its environmental and public health targets.

Despite hundreds of APPGs existing, there are currently none dedicated to environmental health. At the same time, the UK continues to navigate a number of environmental and public health issues. Building on from a successful general election campaign, CIEH is calling on members to help raise the profile of environmental health in Parliament by writing to their local MP, urging them to support efforts to establish an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Environmental Health.

With significant environmental health-related policy, such as the Renter’s Rights Bill, The Water (Special Measures) Bill and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill moving through Parliament, the expertise of environmental health professionals is more crucial than ever. APPGs provide an important platform for organisations like CIEH to engage with parliamentarians, raise awareness and drive policy changes on key issues, such as those outlined in CIEH’s Manifesto for environmental health.

Mark Elliott, President of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, said:

“The move to create an Environmental Health APPG takes a step forwards today on World Environmental Health Day.

We know our members want to see environmental health on policy maker’s agendas. Our general election campaign and our work towards an APPG is part of our continuing commitment to achieve this.

We encourage as many members as possible to get involved and join us in this exciting pursuit.”