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Written question asked by Caroline Dinenage (Conservative) on Friday, 29 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Sharon Hodgson (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Exercise and Sports

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of sport and physical activity on supporting the shift from sickness to prevention.

Answer

Reducing physical inactivity in people of all ages is important in helping people live longer, healthier lives through both the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

The Chief Medical Officer's advice is clear that every little bit of movement counts and that the greatest health benefits are from enabling people currently less active to move a bit more. This is why building movement into people’s everyday lives is a key part of the Government’s Health Mission to shift from sickness to prevention.

As committed to in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will develop a national movement campaign led by Sir Brendan Foster to inspire millions to move more, develop a new scheme to showcase how places are supporting people within communities to increase their activity levels, and work with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on the Government’s plan for addressing physical inactivity.

The Government has recently announced a £1 billion investment to deliver the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network to ensure all children can access equal opportunities for physical activity. This is alongside wider investment in grassroots sport, leisure facilities, and cycling and walking infrastructure to promote active travel.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
4084
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Exercise Sports Preventive medicine
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk