Jonathan Ashworth comments on the latest ONS statistics on avoidable mortality and depravation

“These figures are a reminder of the devastating consequences of inequality and must not be ignored any longer by ministers.

“Poverty and deprivation lead to people becoming ill quicker and dying sooner. Austerity has seen life expectancy advances stall.

“Tackling these issues and creating the conditions where people live happier, healthier longer lives will be a priority for Labour.”