Yorkshire MP backs fight against health inequality as region's premature death rates revealed among UK's highest

The Labour MP joined a coalition of more than 80 organisations and 77 MPs calling for a cross-government strategy to tackle health inequalities that are cutting lives short by up to 16 years across the UK.

Dixon commented: "It is deeply concerning that in Bradford, people are 87% more likely to die prematurely compared to other areas of the country. This disparity is largely due to unequal access to essential factors that contribute to good health.

"Access to safe, affordable housing, secure jobs, healthy food, and clean air is vital for maintaining our health; it should not be dictated by where we live. That's why I am proud to serve as a Health Equals Parliamentary Champion, advocating for the people of the Shipley constituency. I am calling for a national, cross-government strategy to address health inequalities."

Stark regional divide revealed

The event highlighted new data from The Health Foundation showing people in some areas of England and Wales are more than twice as likely to die before age 75 compared to other regions. Yorkshire and the Humber's premature mortality rates were revealed to be among the highest in the UK, with the North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber having the highest rates of premature death, while London has the lowest.

The coalition, which includes Mind, the British Red Cross, Citizens Advice and Crisis, is calling for a cross-government strategy to tackle what it describes as the "building blocks of health" - quality housing, stable employment and clean air.

Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton, who attended the event, acknowledged the government's role in addressing the crisis. "Tackling persistent health inequalities is a key aim of our mission to make the NHS fit for the future," she said. "We are determined to ensure that where you live no longer determines how long you live."

Public concern grows

Polling commissioned by Health Equals revealed growing public alarm about the nation's health, with over half (53%) believing physical health in the UK is getting worse. Almost all adults (95%) reject the idea that individuals alone are responsible for staying healthy, with 72% saying government shares responsibility.

The event was hosted by Afzal Khan MP, whose Manchester Rusholme constituency sits in the bottom 25% for life expectancy at just 77 years.

Paul McDonald, Chief Campaigns Officer at Health Equals, described health inequality as "a national crisis hiding in plain sight".

"The data shows that people in some areas of England and Wales are twice as likely to die before 75 than people in other areas," he said. "This reflects deep-rooted inequality tied to where people live, work, and learn."

Government commitment tested

The campaign comes after the government committed in its 10-Year Health Plan to halve the gap in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest regions. However, campaigners argue this requires action far beyond the NHS, encompassing housing, education, employment and environmental policy.

Award-winning author Darren McGarvey, who joined the event, delivered a powerful message about the personal impact of health inequality. "I grew up in a working-class community in Glasgow where poverty, addiction, and early death were part of everyday life. I saw how where you live, what you earn, and the stress you carry, can shape your health," he said.

"These aren't just statistics, they're stories like mine, repeating across the UK. This isn't about party politics, it's about justice. We need stronger local responsibilities and MPs willing to lead with urgency."

For Dixon, representing a constituency in one of the most affected regions, the issue remains deeply personal. As a Health Equals Parliamentary Champion and former King's Fund policy director, she is calling for urgent action that could transform the lives of her constituents who face some of the starkest health inequalities in the country.

Health Equals aims to raise awareness of health inequalities and push for policy action. More information at: https://healthequals.org.uk