Physical activity sector leaders, parliamentarians and leading figures in health and business have called for the strengthening of preventative health measures in the UK.

During a parliamentary reception, hosted by shadow public health minister Sharon Hodgson, leaders discussed the charting of a "roadmap" to ensure physical activity will pay a "major role" within the UK healthcare system.

Industry leaders were given the opportunity to engage with shadow secretary of state for DCMS Tom Watson and fellow MPs and to discuss the role physical activity can play in health policy.

Speakers included ukactive chair Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson – who described the physical activity sector as the "backbone of an active nation" – and newly-appointed Sport England CEO Tim Hollingsworth, who used his maiden public speech to outline Sport England’s agenda for the year ahead.

Grey-Thompson said that sport and physical activity should be placed at the heart of the government’s upcoming Spending Review.

“If we continue to stand together we can turn the tide of inactivity, transform public health, and ensure millions live longer and healthier lives," Grey-Thompson said.

Shadow public health minister Sharon Hodgson added: “The event brought together all pillars of the physical activity world to reaffirm our mission to get people of all generations active.

"My aim is to ensure that physical activity is part of the conversation when we talk about public health initiatives, especially when it comes to obesity."