The Government's designation of Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport's minister Tracey Crouch as minister for loneliness earlier this year gave a useful boost to the valuable work of the Jo Cox Commission and generated interesting comment at home and abroad.

For some, it has provided a source of quizzical inquiry based on enduring national stereotypes – ‘with such a stiff upper lip how would the British ever know they're lonely?' – asked one US talk show host. For others, it is a welcome recognition that we need to find a solution to one of the great challenges of modern life – one that cuts across the social scale and age spectrum.