A UK strategy to tackle loneliness and isolation has been unveiled

The Westminster government has appointed a minister for loneliness.

Prime Minister Theresa May made the announcement ahead of a legacy event for Jo Cox, who had recommended the idea before her tragic death.

Tracey Crouch has become the first person to be appointed to the position. The Prime Minister has also confirmed that a cross-government strategy to find ways to stop people feeling lonely will be published later this year.

"For far too many people, loneliness is the sad reality of modern life,” she said.

"I want to confront this challenge for our society and for all of us to take action to address the loneliness endured by the elderly, by carers, by those who have lost loved ones, people who have no one to talk to or share their thoughts and experiences with.

"Jo Cox recognised the scale of loneliness across the country and dedicated herself to doing all she could to help those affected.

"So I am pleased that Government can build on her legacy with a ministerial lead for loneliness who will work with the Commission, businesses and charities to shine a light on the issue and pull together all strands of Government to create the first ever strategy.”

Charities will now work with the government to devise the strategy, with the Office for National Statistics preparing data on loneliness in Britain.