Letters

Published: 18/07/2001, Volume II2, No.5814 Page 20

We were dismayed by the critique of Yvette Cooper's work as public health minister ('Winning his spurs', news focus, 7 June), which was not only harsh but also unfair. We appreciate the solid achievements for which she is entitled to take real credit.

These include: championing the strengthening of tobacco control measures at the European Union level, expanding Sure Start and smoking cessation and advocating child health promotion with initiatives such as the free fruit scheme for children aged four to six years.

Promoting public health measures is never easy and rarely appreciated in the short term, but safeguards the future.

We now welcome the appointment of Hazel Blears as the new public health minister to carry on the good work in the emerging context of the Wanless report (whose recognition of the value of public health has received little publicity) and obtaining the total commitment of the whole of government to seriously tackling health inequalities.

Sir Alexander Macara Chair National Heart Forum