News and communications

Professor Sir Chris Whitty writes for The Guardian on smoking addiction and MPs' historic opportunity to vote on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

• Updated: 16 April 2024

MPs to vote on legislation to create first smokefree generation, protecting young people turning 15 this year or younger from harms of smoking.

• Updated: 16 April 2024

As delivered by Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

• Updated: 16 April 2024

The Chief Nursing Officers and Senior Midwives of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have spoken out in support of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

• Updated: 16 April 2024

Consultation launched on proposals to expand scheme to 1.6 million more people to help tackle tooth decay.

• Updated: 25 March 2024

A new government campaign will be launched to support parents as research highlights some are unaware their baby's mental health impacts their early development.

• Updated: 22 March 2024

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will deliver on the Prime Minister's commitment to create a smokefree generation, saving thousands of lives and billions for the NHS.

• Updated: 20 March 2024

Thousands of children and young people will benefit from expanded mental health hubs as the government will offer more funding for local communities.

• Updated: 1 March 2024

Government bringing together experts in the field to drive forward progress in tackling cancer in children and young people.

• Updated: 6 February 2024

Disposable vapes will be banned in the UK as part of ambitious government plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping and protect children’s health.

• Updated: 28 January 2024

Backed by £20 million, strategy shines spotlight on the incredible extended family members keeping children out of care.

• Updated: 15 December 2023

Correspondence setting out the review's terms of reference and main lines of enquiry.

• Updated: 7 December 2023

Public consultation on historic proposals draws to a close with roughly 25,000 responses from teachers, parents, healthcare professionals and the public.

• Updated: 6 December 2023

The government has announced almost £5 million to fund early support hubs nationwide to deliver mental health support for children and young people.

• Updated: 25 October 2023

Letter templates for local authorities to send to schools participating in the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).

• Updated: 9 October 2023

Government pledge to reduce England’s suicide rate within 2 and a half years with launch of new national suicide prevention strategy.

• Updated: 11 September 2023

Interim delivery plan outlines 21 actions to improve understanding, research and care for those living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Updated: 10 August 2023

All secondary school pupils eligible for free flu vaccine as government expands vaccination programme.

• Updated: 4 July 2023

Government takes steps to crack down on rogue firms targeting children with free samples.

• Updated: 31 May 2023

Thousands of families with children with special educational needs supported with short breaks from theatre trips to outdoor activities helping to build vital skills.

• Updated: 11 April 2023