Austerity policies and failures on public health have cost lives, say senior doctors

Coalition's closeness to food and drinks industry prevents it from tackling obesity and alcohol misuse, while welfare changes have increased suicide rate, letter says

Austerity policies and the coalition's failure to tackle obesity and alcohol misuse has damaged the nation's health and cost lives, a group of senior doctors have warned.

Welfare changes have increased the suicide rate and the government's closeness to food and alcohol producers has prevented tough action being taken, they claim.

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