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HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt is putting children’s health at risk by suppressing an expert report on obesity, MPs were told yesterday.
Professor Graham MacGregor, chairman of Action on Sugar and an expert in cardiovascular medicine, told the Commons health committee Mr Hunt had done “absolutely nothing” after receiving recommendations on cutting childhood obesity.
Prof MacGregor accused the Health Secretary of rejecting a “sugar tax” out of hand, despite evidence that it would push kids and their parents to choose healthier foods.
Mr Hunt asked Public Health England researchers for an anti-obesity plan “over a year and a half ago.” But “since then he has done absolutely nothing,” said Prof MacGregor.
“In spite of going back to him 10 times, we’re always fobbed off by officials.”
Evidence from Finland and Mexico backed up a sugar tax, Prof MacGregor said, alongside similar measures to discourage alcohol and tobacco abuse.
