The government and the Mayor of London have launched a new initiative designed to promote physical activity across the UK, with the aim of ensuring a lasting legacy of London 2012 and as part of a long term vision for a fitter nation.

Moving More, Living More builds on the belief that action on physical activity needs to be a long term effort and is best tackled through a team approach across government and all sectors.

By bringing together individuals and key organisations such as local authorities, businesses and employers, it is hoped that the move will - amongst other benefits - enjoy strong leadership at all levels; involve partners across all sectors and levels working together; highlight existing good practice; provide opportunities which work for people; and identify and tackle the barriers which prevent people from being active.

Announcing the launch, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The country was captured by the spirit of the 2012 Games, inspired by our sporting heroes and their achievements. We now need to build on this, creating a nation that’s physically active and improving their health for the long term.

"We need to provide communities with the encouragement to come together and realise the physical and social benefits of being more active. Government, Local Government, business and community groups must now join together to help make this ambition a reality."

Helen Grant, Minister for Sport added: "Taking part in regular physical activity has so many positive benefits from improved well-being to having a healthier body.

"Getting more people to be more active is an essential focus for us, not only across Government, but for clubs and organisations around the country with whom we work."

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said: "My vision is for a healthier, fitter city and we are encouraging Londoners to be more active in their everyday lives. Our goal is to build on the legacy we are creating from the London 2012 Games, which is already getting thousands of Londoners participating in grassroots sport, thanks to initiatives like our 'Make a Splash' mobile pools scheme."

Lord Coe, Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Ambassador said: "The legacy from the 2012 Games is a long-term project to deliver lasting change. But this initiative has the biggest potential impact for our nation’s health.

"A joined up approach to challenging inactivity and encouraging physical activity is key. Moving More, Living More will bring together government, local government, business and above all the individuals and community groups - who know how to get people moving."

For her part, Sport England chief executive, Jennie Price commented: "From aqua aerobics to buggy bootcamps to running a marathon - sport can play a pivotal role in building a more active nation.

"We are committed to opening up sport to all age groups and abilities to ensure the benefits of the Olympic and Paralympic legacy continue."

Speaking for the Sport and Recreation Alliance, interim chief executive Sallie Barker said: "We welcome the release of this new document.

"We are encouraged that it could be just the start of a sustained campaign by government and the Mayor of London to increase physical activity – and particularly that our calls for strong leadership and long term strategy in getting the nation moving are shared by Government."

Amongst the measures already put in place by the government to help the population become more active are £450m of funding over three years for PE and sport in primary schools; £78m from the Department for Transport and Department of Health (DoH) to fund cycling and walking projects; and the signing up of nearly 300 businesses and organisations to the DoH's Responsibility Deal Physical Activity Network.

The launch of Moving More, Living More took place at Daubeney Primary School in Hackney, East London which has one of the lowest rates of children who can swim in the country. It has recently taken delivery of a portable swimming pool, funded by the Mayor’s 'Make a Splash' scheme and arranged by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA).