Gallery: Health for Wealth 2 parliamentary launch

On March 17 2026, authors of the latest ‘Health for Wealth’ report convened in Westminster to present the new research to MPs.

‘Health for Wealth: Building a Healthier North to Boost Productivity’, published by Health Equity North (HEN), shows people in the North are twice as likely to lose their job after ill-health than those in the rest of England, with low skilled workers hit hardest.  

The event was hosted by Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth and Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee.

Following an introduction from Hannah Davies, Executive Director of Health Equity North, and discussion of the report from Debbie Abrahams MP, lead author Dr Julija Simpson, from Newcastle University, presented the key findings of the report.

The presentations were followed by dynamic discussion between the MPs and academic authors, with Julija alongside Dr Luke Munford (The University of Manchester) and Professor Heather Brown (Lancaster University) elaborating on some of their research and clarifying how policymakers can support this work.

MPs from across the North were in attendance, including: Paul Davies MP (Colne Valley), Kim Johnson MP (Liverpool Riverside), Andy McDonald MP (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East), and Mary Kelly Foy MP (City of Durham).

It was a pleasure to once again host positive and purposeful discussions with policymakers in London, and one message came through loud and clear: vulnerable people in the North must not be left behind.

Read the latest Health for Wealth report here.