Important news from the UK, where a group of MPs has recently submitted a parliamentary motion arguing for reduced income inequality. The key passage from the Early Day Motion (EDM) is here:

“That this House notes the findings of the Equality Trust that societies with smaller income differences between rich and poor have fewer health and social problems, such as teenage births, violence, mental illness and drug abuse; further notes that such societies have higher levels of trust between citizens and more social mobility; and therefore encourages the Government to promote policies that reduce income inequality.”

The motion builds on work by a UK-based NGO, The Equality Trust, which has been pushing for greater attention from policymakers to the health and social implications of inequality – discussed in considerable detail in Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett’s highly publicised book, The Spirit Level. The Trust’s work is shaped by an “Equality Pledge”, published before the last general election in the UK in 2010, and to which over 80 UK parliamentarians have now signed up.

Those keen to take action in support of the EDM can contact their MP in a matter of seconds here (http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=118&ea.campaign.id=10526), or using the link on the right hand side of the main EG4H page.

Economic Governance 4 Health

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