Website of the Department of Health

Tony Blair, Prime Minister

For each of us, one of the most important things in life is our own and our family' s health. I believe that this concern, and the responsibility that we each take for our own health, should be the basis for improving the health of everyone across the nation.

This Government is committed to sustaining an ethos of fairness and equity - good health for everyone in England. We are already taking action throughout society to tackle the causes of  ill-health and reduce inequalities. Choosing health sets out how we will work to provide more of the opportunities, support and information people want to enable them to choose health. It aims to inform and encourage people as individuals, and to help shape the commercial and cultural environment we live in so that it is easier to choose a healthy lifestyle.

Small changes in the choices people make can make a big difference. Taken together, these changes can lead to huge improvements in health across society. But changes need to be based on choices, not direction. We are clear that Government cannot - and should not - pretend it can 'make' the population healthy. But it can - and should - support people in making better choices for their health and the health of their families. It is for people to make the healthy choice if they wish to. Choosing health sets out what this Government will do to help them.

We will build on the work of this White Paper at every level, from support for individuals right up to engaging the entire nation through events like the London 2012 Olympic Bid. I believe that Choosing health will be a major step in making the improvement of everyone's health everyone's concern.

TONY BLAIR

PRIME MINISTER