MPs raise concern over incidence of suicide

The Health Select Committee has raised concern over the high number of people in England taking their own lives, warning the figure was ‘unacceptably high’.

The report cited the number of deaths by suicide at 4,820 in 2015, part of a UK-wide figure of 6,188. It called on the NHS to embrace more innovative approaches to suicide prevention, including online services. It also highlighted that the ‘government's 2012 suicide prevention strategy has been characterised by inadequate leadership, poor accountability and insufficient action.’

Dr Sarah Wollaston, chair of the Health Select Committee, said: "4,820 people are recorded as having died by suicide in England last year, but the true figure is likely to be higher.

"Suicide is preventable and much more can and should be done to support those at risk.”

A Department of Health spokeswoman commented: "Every death by suicide is a tragedy and devastating for families, friends and communities.

"We are investing almost £1 billion in providing mental health support in A&E and home-based crisis care and are currently updating our suicide prevention strategy, which we are confident will address many of the issues raised by the committee."

Ruth Sutherland, the chief executive of the Samaritans, said: "People are continuing to die and suicide prevention is still not being prioritised. Every six seconds someone contacts Samaritans for help.

"This report should serve as a wake-up call to the government and we are delighted that our request for a clear implementation programme has been included in this report."