CHOLESTEROL UK

Early day motion 1426, tabled 30 June 2004 by Doug Naysmith (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 163 members.

That this House is concerned that 125,000 people die each year from coronary heart disease (CHD); notes that raised cholesterol is responsible for more than half of those deaths; further notes that 130,000 people suffer a stroke each year and that for those with diabetes or who are obese cholesterol greatly increases the risk of stroke or CHD; further notes that seven out of 10 UK adults have unhealthy levels of cholesterol and that a recent survey found that only five per cent. of the public are aware that cholesterol is a risk factor for cardio-vascular disease; welcomes the efforts of Cholesterol UK and The Stroke Association in raising awareness that everyone can benefit from reducing their cholesterol regardless of its level; supports the need for clear diet and lifestyle information for the public so that the public is better informed and able to manage its own health; recognises that whilst the Government has implemented plans for smoking cessation and to tackle obesity it has not done so for cholesterol awareness; and urges the Government to include a national cholesterol awareness campaign as a priority in the forthcoming White Paper on public health so that cholesterol is properly recognised as a cause of avoidable death.

Signatures by party: Labour 89, Liberal Democrat 28, Conservative 26, Labour/Co-operative 8, Scottish National Party 4, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2, Independent Conservative 1.