Fifty MPs, including sports minister Tracey Crouch, gathered to address and mingle with sport and fitness sector heavyweights at ukactive’s parliamentary reception last night (20 March).

Crouch told delegates – from organisations such as Nuffield Health, GLL, Bannatyne’s and Pure Gym – about the progress made as a result of the government’s Sporting Future sport strategy.

She also discussed what role the physical activity sector could play in delivering the outcomes of the strategy.

“Since the release of Sporting Future, definite progress has been made, but there is still more to do to build an active Britain,” she said.

“Partnerships like those with ukactive and the wider physical activity sector have a major role to play in supporting the government to deliver a healthier nation.”

During the event, ukactive chair Tanni Grey-Thompson took those attending through the not-for-profit organisation’s parliamentary workplan, which has seen 25 parliamentarians ask 15 separate questions about the government’s plans for tackling physical inactivity.

Ukactive is calling for a number of policies in this space, such as a £1bn regeneration scheme for the nation’s ageing fleet of leisure centre to save money for the NHS.

The proposed centres would have community wellbeing hubs, swimming pools and GP drop-in centres.

Grey-Thompson said agreed with Crouch that there had been progress, but it was important to “ensure this momentum does not fall by the wayside”.