Sector tells government: “There can be no growth without health”

The National Sector Partners Group (NSPG) has hosted a reception in Westminster to discuss the sport and physical activity sector’s agenda with MPs from across the new government.

Those attending the event included the new Sports Minister, Steph Peacock; Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater and a number of other leaders from across the sport, recreation and physical activity landscape.

Among the topics explored were the opportunities for the new Government to work with the physical activity sector and help make the UK the most active nation in Europe.

In a speech on behalf of the group, ukactive CEO, Huw Edwards, said: “As we start this new parliament, has the full power of sport, recreation, and physical activity been fully harnessed in our nation? Sadly, no.

“Can it be? 100% yes. That is why the NSPG is united and unapologetic in calling for this new parliament to match its ambition to make this country the most active in Europe. We are currently joint-11th among 15 comparable nations so there is much to do.

“There can be no growth without health and our sector clearly has an essential role to play. The exciting opportunity this parliament has is to unlock the full potential of this sector – something previous parliaments haven’t achieved.

“The return on investment will deliver results for multiple departments, cross-Westminster. The leadership in this sector is fully committed to this, and if the political will matches this, then there is a real opportunity for positive change, renewal and growth.”

The NSPG includes Active Partnerships, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), the Local Government Association, the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the Sport for Development Coalition, the Youth Sport Trust and ukactive.