Caroline Flint MP appointed as
Minister of State for Public Health


6 May 2006

Don Valley MP Caroline Flint has been promoted to Minister of State for Public Health in the Government reshuffle.

Ms Flint said: "The appointment is an honour and gives greater weight to the Government's strategy for public health. To serve the country – to be able to make a difference to people's lives – is one of the most rewarding things I could be asked to do."

Ms Flint recently joined the Prime Minister Tony Blair to promote the Small Change, Big Difference initiative, which encourages people to take small steps to increase their health, adding years to their lives.

Ms Flint has been promoted after one year as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health. During the past year, she has been able to take the Health Improvement and Promotion Bill through parliament, which includes a comprehensive smoking ban in public places. Ms Flint is leading the Government's effort on health promotion, so the NHS helps people to live longer and healthier lives, rather than just treating people when they are ill.

Previously, Ms Flint served for two years as Home Office Minister for anti-drugs co-ordination and tackling organised crime, during which she introduced legislation on anti-social behaviour, and the Bill to create the Serious Organised Crime Agency which came into being
in April.