A new analysis of the latest teenage pregnancy figures from the Teenage Pregnancy Unit released by London Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes shows that the number of under-eighteen pregnancies in Haringey has jumped by 13.5% in the last two years. With an even higher increase in Enfield, Wayne Hoban, GLA candidate for Enfield & Haringey has expressed concern about the huge increases across both boroughs.

The figures confirm that Haringey has the second highest increase of the Inner London boroughs.In neighbouring Enfield, the massive 40% rise is the highest in the whole of London.This compares to just a 1.2% increase across England and Wales. Twenty London Boroughs, including Haringey, have experienced increases higher than the country average.

Cllr Wayne Hoban said:

“It is a cause of deep concern that in the last two years both Enfield and Haringey have seen an increase well above the national average. It would appear that the teenage pregnancy strategy is failing to get through to young people.

“The Government and local health authorities must accept that this increase in the teenage pregnancy rate is not just a ‘blip’. Ministers must think more carefully about its approach on this issue and make sure that young people have all the facts to hand and the support they need.”