The need for an Allergy Czar, an advocate for the one in three people living with allergies, has never been greater.
The latest government figures show that 2.4 million adults now have food allergies in this county, deaths from asthma have increased by 33 per cent in a decade and an estimated one in every 1,333 residents has experienced anaphylaxis, a reaction to potentially fatal foods. , drugs, insect bites at some point in your life.
Additionally, five independent reports over the past two decades have highlighted deficiencies in allergy care in this country.
Furthermore, not only is the number of people affected by allergies increasing, but also the severity of the disease: hospital admissions for severe allergic reactions to food have more than tripled in the last 20 years.
However, of the 45 national leaders appointed by NHS England, none of them are dedicated to supporting the 20 million people living with allergic diseases.
There is also no mention of allergies in the NHS Long Term Plan.
The lack of national guidance for allergies has also been raised time and again by coroners at inquests into those who died from severe allergic reactions.
As we approach the general election on Thursday 4 July, we urge the parties contesting the election to commit that if they form the next Government, they will make allergy a higher priority and commit to appointing an Allergy Tsar, developing a coherent approach to allergies in this country, supporting those campaigning for change and ensuring those affected get the care they need.
This is an opportunity to lead and tackle this modern epidemic that affects thousands of people in every constituency.
Voters Support Appointment of Allergy Czar; 20,000 people signed a parliamentary petition calling for the appointment of a tsar.
Today we add our voice to theirs to highlight the importance of the incoming Government appointing an Allergy Czar.
Now is the time to act to prevent more unnecessary deaths and health problems caused by allergies.
How many more children can we afford to lose to deadly, largely preventable allergic reactions?
Signatories
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE
Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE
Alex Ednan-Laperouse
Jack Fowler, ambassador of the Foundation
Megan McKenna, Foundation Ambassador
Kate Lancaster, founder of The Dairy Free Mum
Bethany Crowder, Natasha’s best friend
Maxine North, Foundation ambassador, Jess’s mother
Delyth and Graham Raffell, Ellen’s parents
Ashleigh Grice, daughter of Celia Marsh
Emma Turay, Foundation Ambassador, mother of Shanté
Simon, Angela, Niamh, Rowan and Ciara Baxendale, Óla Baxendale’s family
Paul Carey and Emma Kocher, Owen’s Law campaign
Jill and Stuart Atkinson, parents of James
Clare Bristow, Founder and CEO of the Sadie Bristow Foundation
Adam and Gemma Lee, parents of Megan Lee
Dr. and Mrs. Briess, parents of Alexandra Briess
Helen Blyth, founder of the Benedict Blyth Foundation
Julie and Tom Martin, The Amy May Trust
Billy Hoque, Foundation Ambassador
Jamie Hoque, parents of two young children with food allergies
Emeritus Professor Michael H. Depledge CBE FRS FRCP
Professor Helen Brough, pediatric allergy consultant and medical advisor to the Foundation
Natalie Hopkins, founder of The Allergy Badge
Professor Adam Fox, Professor of Pediatric Allergies and Chair of the National Allergy Strategy Joint Advisory Group/Department of Health and Social Care Allergy Expert Advisory Group
James Bailey, chief executive of Waitrose
Professor Sir Stephen Holgate, MRC Professor of Immunopharmacology and Consultant Physician, University Hospital Southampton
Professor Graham Roberts, President of the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI)
Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, Foundation Ambassador
Dr Paul Turner, Consultant in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
Jon Cruddas, former MP and chair of the all-party parliamentary group on allergy
Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK
Tim Smith CBE, Chairman of Cranswick and Trustee of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation
Jeremy Hyam KC, Trustee, Natasha Foundation for Allergy Research
Paul Lindley OBE, founder of Ella’s Kitchen and former chair of the London childhood obesity task force
Pano Christou, CEO of Pret A Manger
Clare Clough, Managing Director, Pret A Manger, UK & Ireland
Liljia Polo-Richards, allergy companions
Martin Day, founder of Leigh Day Solicitors
Mr. and Mrs. Mendelsohn
Nick Buckley, Trustee, Natasha Foundation for Allergy Research
Tom-Montagu-Pollock, Trustee of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation
Stella Huyton, Trustee of the Natasha Foundation for Allergy Research
Professor Daniel Ray, Trustee of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation
Professor Hasan Arshad, Professor of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Julianne Ponan MBE, Founder of Top 14 Allergen Free Brands Creative Nature and Allergy Activist
Professor Gideon Lack, Professor of Pediatric Allergy, King’s College London
