MPs demand 20% sugary drinks tax

MPs demand 20% sugary drinks tax

The House of Commons Health Select Committee has called for ‘brave and bold action’ including a 20% sugary drinks tax and labelling of single portions of products with added sugar to show sugar content in teaspoons. Although the report is focussed on childhood obesity, dentists will welcome its call for reduced sugar intake as a way of preventing childhood dental caries. On November 30 there will be a debate in Westminster Hall on a petition to introduce such a tax.

The report, published on November 30, says childhood obesity is a ‘complex problem’ which will need action across a number of areas. The MPs say that, in their view the complexity of the problem should be used as an argument for bold, decisive and urgent action, not an argument against it. They have made recommendations in nine different areas. They say: ‘No one single area offers a solution in itself, but we see a strong case for implementing changes in all of these areas.’

They propose:

  • Strong controls on price promotions of unhealthy food and drink
  • Tougher controls on marketing and advertising of unhealthy food and drink
  • A centrally led reformulation programme to reduce sugar in food and drink
  • A sugary drinks tax on full sugar soft drinks, in order to help change behaviour, with all proceeds targeted to help those children at greatest risk of obesity
  • Labelling of single portions of products with added sugar to show sugar content in teaspoons
  • Improved education and information about diet
  • Universal school food standards
  • Greater powers for local authorities to tackle the environment leading to obesity
  • Early intervention to offer help to families of children affected by obesity and further research into the most effective interventions.

The MPs conclude: ‘In our view, the evidence is sufficiently strong to justify introducing all the policies we recommend. Rather than wait for further evidence to follow from international experience, we urge the Government to be bold in implementing policy, with the assurance of rigorous evaluation and sunset clauses if found to be ineffective.’

The full report can be read by clicking here.

On November 30, Helen Jones MP (Lab) for Warrington North will initiate a debate in Westminster Hall on a petition to ‘Introduce a tax on sugary drinks in the UK to improve our children's health’, which attracted 151,764 signatures. The Department of Health responded to the petition by saying that Government had ‘no plans to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages’ and continued: ‘The Government will announce its plans for tackling childhood obesity by the end of the year’.

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