Lib Dems blame budget cuts for underage STIs

Wednesday, 2 April 2008 12:00 AM

Up to 200 children a month are being diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Between 2002 and 2006, 11,256 under 16s were diagnosed with gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes or genital warts, research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

The Lib Dems say the figures underscore the extent of the UK's sexual health crisis.

Health spokesman Norman Lamb said the government had been "criminally negligent" in cutting public health budgets in the face of rising STI rates.

The figures reveal a 20 per cent rise in diagnosed chlamydia cases among under-16s in the past four years.

Mr Lamb said: "These are disturbing figures but we cannot close our eyes to the reality of life for some of our children. Ignoring it is simply not an option.

"If they are having sex at such a young age they must be informed about the risks involved and about the safe framework of a relationship."

He continued: "The government is guilty of criminal neglect in slashing public health budgets over the years. This short sightedness is putting a whole generation at risk of a sexual health crisis."

The Liberal Democrats have chosen to highlight the issue the day after their leader said he had slept with up to 30 women.

Nick Clegg faced media criticism after discussing his sexual past with GQ magazine, while notably refusing to discuss his drug use.

Asked by Piers Morgan how many women he had slept with, Mr Clegg said it was a "lot less" than 30 and he added he "hoped" never to cheat on his wife.

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• health
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• public health
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• sexual health