Improve NHS mental health funding or more children will die by suicide, says coroner

Steve Barclay, the health secretary, has until 25 October to respond to comments in the report written by the east London area coroner. Photograph: Daniel Leal/AFP/Getty Images

A London coroner has warned the health secretary that preventable child suicides are likely to increase unless the government provides more funding for mental health services.

Nadia Persaud, the east London area coroner, told Steve Barclay that the suicide of Allison Aules, 12, in July 2022 highlighted the risk of similar deaths “unless action is taken”.