Lib Dems launch plan for a healthier, safer London
Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate Rob Blackie pledged today (Friday) to make London safer by promoting grassroots sport.
Speaking during a visit to a children’s sports camp in Southwark, Blackie said that boosting sport for young people could play a role in reducing knife crime.
Launching his manifesto for sport in the capital, Blackie pledged to:
- Further integrate physical activity, mental health, and wellbeing into major development plans.
- Create incentives to utilise underused spaces for community benefit.
- Protect and enhance youth sport provision.
- Promote active travel to school
- Ensure safe access for women and girls to public spaces.
Blackie said:
“Urgent action is needed to boost activity levels and improve health issues, as well as promote inclusivity, tackle inequalities, and foster healthier, safer communities. We must address the challenges facing grassroots sports and physical activity.
“I want to encourage Londoners to become healthier, strengthen communities and reduce crime. And sport is a cost-effective method of addressing all these issues.
“The Burgess Sports Easter multi-sport camp is a great example of a partnerships between schools and local sports clubs in an area of high deprivation.”
London Sport is a leading charity dedicated to promoting physical activity and wellbeing across the capital. It supports projects like Burgess Sports that provide free sports sessions and healthy meals for children during the holidays.
Tim Copley, Director of Physical Activity and Sport Development at London Sport said:
“Research shows that there is a strong link between higher rates of crime and Londoners affected by deprivation, poor mental health, and other inequalities.
We know the transformative power of sport and physical activity has on people’s lives, from improving physical and mental health, to tackling loneliness and increasing confidence – even boosting children’s academic performance. Having access to sport breaks down barriers, fosters inclusivity, and ultimately builds healthier and happier communities.
That’s why we must be bold in our approach to tackle inactivity.”
Ends
Photos of visit available here
Picture caption:
Rob Blackie at a children’s sports camp in Southwark where he announced his policy on promoting sport to reduce crime. He is joined by Tim Copley, Director for Physical Activity & Sport Development at London Sport who organise the camp at Surrey Square Primary School.
You can download a individual photos free of charge using the downward facing arrow to the left of each picture.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Bobby Dean, Speak Change, [email protected]
Rob Blackie: Tel: 07931 552314
Andy Sillett: Tel: 07884 003 221
Notes to editors
About London Sport
London Sport is a charity that exists to help ensure more Londoners live happier, healthier lives through access to sport and physical activity.
Supported by Sport England and the Mayor of London, London Sport collaborates with those that share our vision, running and supporting projects that help children, young people and the least active adults to embed sport and physical activity into their lives.
For more information on London Sport, visit www.londonsport.org
Press enquiries: Edward Butler, London Sport Tel: 07947188830 [email protected] (cc: [email protected])
