The United Kingdom has welcomed a new Labour government under Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, marking a significant shift in the political landscape after 14 years. Various organisations across the UK have expressed their reactions to the new government, particularly focusing on the anticipated changes in mental health and wellbeing policies.
Health Assured
Bertrand Stern-Gillet, CEO of Health Assured, the UK’s largest Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, acknowledged the historic victory and the potential for significant policy changes. He stated,
Sir Kier Starmer’s Labour Party has secured a landmark victory in the General Election. For the first time in 14 years, Britain has voted for a change of government that we hope will facilitate sweeping policy changes designed to tackle the UK’s growing mental health crisis. We welcome several of the Labour Party’s key mental health policies to reduce NHS waiting times, recruit 8,500 additional mental health staff, and establish a network of ‘Young Futures Hubs’ to provide open access to wellbeing services for children and young people in every community.
Bertrand Stern-Gillet, CEO of Health Assured
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England
Sarah McIntosh, speaking on behalf of Mental Health First Aid England, emphasised the urgency for the new government to act swiftly to address the mental health crisis.
With 1 in 4 of us experiencing a mental health problem each year, more than 1.9 million people in England currently waiting for mental health care, and suicide rates rising, the new Government must act fast to save lives. We look forward to working with the Government on their pledges to deliver: – Reform of the Mental Health Act – Funding to support hubs for young people. Above all, we need empathetic political leadership and a government who puts mental health and suicide prevention high on their agenda.
Sarah McIntosh, Mental Health First Aid England
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
Mark Elliott, President of CIEH, welcomed the newly elected MPs and outlined an ambitious post-election engagement plan.
We are delighted to see a new cohort of MPs, many of whom have shown a clear commitment to engaging with CIEH and to promoting environmental health in Parliament. This election marks a significant opportunity for us to strengthen our advocacy efforts and work collaboratively with policymakers to achieve meaningful progress. Together, we can ensure that environmental health remains a top priority in the new Parliament.
Mark Elliott, President of CIEH
CIEH has set out key priorities for the new parliamentary term, including fostering robust policies that protect public health and the environment, raising awareness among MPs, and advocating for the establishment of an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Environmental Health.
The Labour Party’s victory brings with it a promise of comprehensive changes in the approach to mental health and environmental wellbeing. As these organisations eagerly anticipate working with the new government, there is a shared hope that these changes will lead to a healthier, more supportive environment for all citizens.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.