Health policy

Resource

Tobacco and vapes: packaging, appearance and display - consultation response

In October 2026, RCPCH responded to the UK Government consultation on proposals relating to the packaging, appearance and retail display of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products.

Health policy

Public health

Smoking and vaping

News

RCPCH responds to expansion of Healthy Babies programme

30 September 2026

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has announced plans to roll out a Healthy Babies programme to every local authority in England.

Resource

Priorities for the Health and Social Care Committee - consultation response

In September 2026, we responded to a Senedd Health and Social Care Committee consultation on what its main priorities should be in the Seventh Senedd.

Health policy

Public affairs and campaigning

Resource

Priorities for the Welsh Government Draft Budget 2027-28 - consultation response

In September 2026, we responded to a Senedd Finance Committee call for information ahead of publication of the Welsh Government's Draft Budget 2027-28.

Health policy

Public affairs and campaigning

News

Children in Scotland's poorest communities continue to face the worst health outcomes, paediatricians warn

23 September 2026

New analysis reveals declining or stagnant child health across Scotland, widening inequalities in oral health, obesity and vaccine uptake, and the highest child mortality rate of any UK nation.

Resource

State of Child Health 2026: Scotland - Quick read

State of Child Health 2026 provides a clear and comprehensive overview of children’s health across the UK, analysing progress against 12 key child health indicators. This quick read report summarises data and recommendations for Scotland.

Health policy

News

RCPCH responds to the Thirlwall Inquiry report

15 September 2026

On Tuesday 15 September, Lady Justice Thirlwall published the Thirlwall Inquiry report.

Resource

Improving help and child protection: revised framework - consultation response

In September 2026, RCPCH responded to the Department for Education (DfE) consultation on the proposed revised framework for help and child protection. In our response, we welcomed proposals to strengthen children's voices and multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, while calling for greater recognit...

Resource

State of Child Health 2026: Wales - Quick read

State of Child Health 2026 provides a clear and comprehensive overview of children’s health across the UK, analysing progress against 12 key child health indicators. Our quick read report in English and Welsh summarises data and recommendations for Wales.

Health policy

News

Paediatricians fear that children in Wales may become ‘unhealthiest generation in decades’.

9 September 2026

New data analysis shows children’s health in Wales is declining, with poorer outcomes in oral health, asthma and mental health, alongside some of the worst obesity rates in the UK.