The government will promote physical activity as part of a range of measures to tackle the causes of preventable ill-health.

A green paper published on 23 July, entitled Advancing our health: prevention in the 2020s, sets out a number of priorities for preventative healthcare – including developing guidelines on sleep, targeting those at risk of diabetes and ending smoking in England by 2030.

The green paper, outlining the measures, was presented to parliament by junior health minister Seema Kennedy, who said the focus of future healthcare must be on prevention – and encouraging people to live healthier lives.

"When it comes to living a healthy life, the modern world presents many challenges," she said.

"It can feel like the odds are stacked against us. This green paper is not about nannying but making healthier choices easier for people, so they are empowered to make decisions that are right for them and their families.

"To live a healthy, happier life, evidence suggests our focus should be on: eating a healthy diet, being physically active, being smoke-free and taking care of our mental health."

The publishing of the green paper will kick-start a consultation on the measures, which will run for 12 weeks and end on 14 October 2019.

The government then aims to outline detailed proposals in the spring of 2020.

To read the full 'Advancing our health: prevention in the 2020s policy document, click here.