thatbags
Is the number of so-called "excess" deaths falling? For example, is the figure for 2014/15 lower by a significant amount than it was, say, fifty or a hundred years ago? And if so, can this pattern be seen in general with regard to this issue?
If the answer to those questions is yes, then I think we're on the right track.
A third question, if I may, why are you wearing a black tie?
Hi,
Unfortunately, actually the winter in 2014/15 saw a particularly high number of excess winter deaths (43,900).
The number of excess winter deaths varies each year. Over the last five years, we've seen years have 17,000 deaths and others in the 20,000s and others in the 30,000s.
Given the advance of technology and the fact that Britain, despite challenges, is still one of the richest countries in the world, it's unacceptable that we continue to suffer these very significant numbers of fatalities. By their very nature, these deaths are avoidable and more could, and should, be done both nationally and locally to tackle what is a national scandal.