HAPPINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY

Early day motion 232, tabled 10 December 2008 by Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 35 members.

That this House believes that the promotion of happiness and well-being are legitimate and important goals of Government; notes a GfK NOP poll showed 81 per cent. of people believe Government's prime objective should be happiness, not wealth; notes large surveys, including Eurobarometer, that show the UK's happiness has remained static for at least 25 years; recognises the Government can influence some factors that affect happiness, such as unemployment and respite for carers; welcomes the Government's Foresight report into Mental Capital and Well-being showing how well-being promotion is possible; and calls for official and regularly conducted statistics on national happiness and well-being to inform policy-making.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 14, Conservative 3, Plaid Cymru 1.