Dr Neil Hudson MP joined 42 charities, sporting bodies and membership organisations to champion their Outdoors For All manifesto.
Led by cross-party MPs Tracey Crouch and Kim Leadbeater, the Outdoors for All coalition launched their manifesto for getting people active and boosting their access to green and blue spaces.
A combination of the UK ranking lowest of 14 European nations on nature connectedness and high levels on physical inactivity - with 1 in 6 deaths in the UK associated to this - has highlighted the need for us to better get active in the outdoors.
The coalition's vision for a 'natural health service' includes clauses to get more people, more active, more often; a commitment to widen access to nature-rich spaces and a commitment to respect, protect and enjoy these spaces. You can view the full manifesto here.
With Dr Hudson enjoying the personal benefits of his rural constituency and campaigning in Parliament across a host of wellbeing priorities - including mental health improvement - he was keen to lend his support to this vital initiative.
The Conservative Government has already set its sights high with plans to get £3.5 million more people active by 2030; ensuring everyone lives within a 15 minutes' walk from a green or blue space and creating a new National Park.
The Environment Secretary, Steve Barclay, lent his support to the event by giving a speech on more permissive access and the great social value of outdoor activity.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"I'm proud our Conservative Government is committed to getting more people active in the outdoors. I know from personal experience the physical and mental benefits of taking my dogs out, getting on my bike or picking up my cricket bat - and I am determined to widen access.
"I thank Tracey and Kim for hosting the manifesto launch in Parliament; and it was also symbolically so important for the Environment Secretary to attend and give a speech."
