Search Here

After the government's plans to axe the sugar tax plans, campaigners reacted with fury. David Cameron, Prime Minister of UK, has reportedly vetoed the proposal to impose sugar tax of up to 20%. Instead, it plans to use warning of the levy to pressure the companies into keeping the sugar content in check. Even though the news of discarded tax will bring cheer to the food & drinks industry, it was opposed vehemently by the anti-obesity campaigners.

Tam Fry, spokesman for National Obesity Forum, said: "The decision must be reversed or it will be more proof that the Government is in the thrall of the food industry and the sugar barons will have won yet again. NHS chiefs know full well that the combination of child and adult obesity could topple the UK's most cherished institution," reported Telegraph.

Graham MacGregor, chairman and founder of Action on Sugar, said: "It seems to me that Cameron is being very stupid rejecting this. All the experts agree that the plan we have will prevent childhood obesity and type 2 Diabetes. Everything he does ends up in chaos, this was his one opportunity to achieve a legacy. He will be a Prime Minister who has achieved nothing."

MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, added: "We won't stop and if the UK doesn't want to stop doing it, we will go to another country like Argentina or Chile which are much better organised in terms of public health and nutrition."

A feasibility study may soon be launched to explain how important it is to impose sugar tax and how it can discourage people from consuming sugary drinks.