Backbench Business — Childhood Obesity Strategy

Mr. Davies agrees that awareness of sugar consumption is crucial, noting examples of high sugar content in common food items like a Snickers bar and Coke.

Ms. Wollaston acknowledges the health impacts of obesity on physical and emotional well-being, including bullying at school and increased risk of preventable cancers and diabetes, costing the NHS £5.1 billion annually and society up to £27 billion overall.

Mr. Beresford points out that sugar intake is the most common cause of hospital admissions for five to nine-year-olds due to tooth decay, with almost 900 children requiring treatment weekly.

Ms. Wollaston agrees that sugar impacts dental health and mentions the importance of tackling price promotions as they account for around 40% of food and drink consumption, often encouraging unhealthy choices.

Mr. Lamb suggests a tax on sugar ingredients to incentivise industry reformulation across foods and drinks generally, not just fizzy drinks.

Ms. Wollaston explains that while broader sugar taxes have been considered, the focus is on sugary drinks given their significant impact; she cites Mexico's tax success which saw a 17% reduction among high consumers by year-end.

Mr. Vaz congratulates Ms. Wollaston and suggests making sugary drinks more expensive immediately, referencing the Mayor of London's actions.

Ms. Wollaston welcomes the initiative and notes that such measures are being recommended within NHS by Simon Stevens; she highlights public acceptability as all funds raised go to good causes, similar to plastic bag taxes.

Ms. Throup suggests ring-fencing the sugary drinks tax so that money could be used for health education about obesity in schools to prevent child obesity in the future.

The debate is often between reformulation and tax. I agree with the tax on fizzy drinks, but if we had a tax on overall sugar input, that would give an incentive to the manufacturers to reformulate without the price going up.

I congratulate the hon. Member for Totnes (Dr Wollaston) on proposing this debate, and I agreed with almost everything she said. School food has played a role in public policy for more than 100 years, first discussed in 1906 when Fred Jowett used his maiden speech to launch his campaign to introduce free school meals when compulsory education was being rolled out. Today more than one third of children are leaving school overweight or obese and the school setting is one of the most important interventions in a child’s life. I strongly believe that universal free school meals can be one of the most important interventions to help address health issues in childhood.

I support my hon. Friend's private Member’s Bill which is an excellent initiative, and should be adopted by the Government and local authorities.

The hon. Lady mentioned that children are consuming junk food from outlets near schools. Does she believe that councils should have powers, as part of planning guidance, to take action on junk food outlets being so close to schools?

Emphasises the importance of universal free school meals, citing benefits such as a 23% increase in vegetable consumption and decline in unhealthy packed lunch foods. Also discusses holiday hunger and its impact on children's health during off-school periods.

Acknowledges the rise of childhood obesity but notes that statistics show a decrease in overall obesity among British children aged two to 10, from 17% in 2005 to 13% in 2013. Argues against a sugar tax on soft drinks, citing its illiberal nature and lack of proven effectiveness.

Questions the Minister's interpretation of obesity statistics, highlighting that while obesity rates may be declining for wealthier children, they are increasing among disadvantaged groups. Supports a sugar tax to address health inequality issues.

Suggests that a sugar tax would be fiscally responsible and beneficial for public health by reducing health costs, while questioning the relevance of international examples like Mexico's soft drink tax implementation.

I am delighted to take part in this important debate and congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Totnes on securing it. As we have been hearing all afternoon, we are facing a crisis of obesity among our children. That is storing up trouble for the future for our nation as it has implications for personal health and wider social problems and economic challenges such as loss of productivity due to ill-health and NHS costs. We need a comprehensive plan with measures addressing activity, sport participation, diet, labelling and lifestyle. Parents must be at the heart of any strategy without replacing their role or responsibility in raising children. Many parents feel they are fighting a losing battle against media influence and marketing budgets of multinational companies. Even in shops, water is often more expensive than fizzy drinks, highlighting this struggle for parents to teach healthy choices. After considering evidence, I now believe the Government should seriously consider introducing a sugar tax because it would send a clear message about what is right and help people make better choices.

I am pleased to be called to speak in this debate. I declare an interest as a type 2 diabetic, alongside my colleague Keith Vaz who supports Leicester City football club. Obesity is at epidemic levels across the nation and achieving results appears difficult. I support a sugar tax because sometimes we have to make decisions for people's benefit. Northern Ireland has the worst obesity rates in the UK with over 24% of children being obese based on surveys. Education is key, as some people think that two hamburgers and a Coke constitute a balanced meal which is far from accurate. Obesity levels are higher among 11-year-olds in Northern Ireland compared to other parts of the UK, indicating the seriousness of the issue.

Why are sugary soft drinks being targeted specifically? Why not look at cereals, biscuits and cakes as well?

We must address the issue of sugar in drinks and other foods to combat obesity. With alarming statistics showing a quarter of children aged 11 being overweight or obese, education in schools is crucial. A tax on sugar would be a positive step; it makes economic sense considering healthcare costs and societal impacts. Addressing low-income families' food choices based on affordability is essential. Health problems associated with obesity cost the NHS billions annually. Childhood obesity leads to various health conditions like insulin resistance and hypertension, making early intervention necessary.

Paying tribute to the Health Committee for its work on childhood obesity, I acknowledge the overwhelming evidence supporting action against unhealthy foods. Food marketing must be addressed with regulations extending beyond children's programming timeslots. School food standards have improved but packed lunches often remain unhealthy. Teachers need more authority to enforce nutritional guidelines. Physical activity is crucial alongside diet; public access to sports facilities needs improvement in urban areas too.

We need a multifaceted approach that goes beyond the sugar tax or product placement. The problem is extensive, requiring government-led initiatives to demonstrate seriousness and effect rapid change across multiple fronts.

Mathias acknowledges the effectiveness of education and information in combating obesity, stating that while she supports taxation on cigarettes, for obesity a cultural shift towards slow food and more exercise is preferable. She encourages the Minister to focus on cultural changes rather than relying solely on taxation.

Gibson highlights that childhood obesity is a significant problem requiring long-term solutions from both UK and devolved governments. She notes the socioeconomic impact, with poor families facing challenges in affording healthy food options. While considering a sugar tax as an option, she emphasises its potential disproportionate effect on the poorest communities. Gibson also stresses the importance of clear food labelling to help parents make informed choices.

I am pleased to contribute to this debate as chair of the newly reformed all-party group on adult and childhood obesity. The group has been set up to bring together Members of both Houses and parliamentarians of all parties who want to explore the best ways to lower the obesity rate... Let us focus specifically on childhood obesity, not forgetting that adults are role models. Our children are our future and it would be irresponsible as legislators not to take the future health of our nation extremely seriously.

I am glad to be able to speak in this debate and hope that what I say will provide a different kind of insight into the debate on childhood obesity... The Government should bear that in mind and ensure that services to promote, protect and support breastfeeding are well maintained.

I agree with everything the hon. Lady has said so far. As she knows, I took part in the debate that she led in Westminster Hall on this issue... Parents inadvertently force-feed their baby the amount they think they should have, rather than what the baby needs, so babies get used to being full.

She agrees with the benefits of breastfeeding and discusses issues related to formula milk marketing, including the necessity of follow-on formulas. She also mentions concerns about high sugar content in baby foods and toddler milks, calling for more scrutiny on these products.

She thanks Alison Thewliss for her powerful contribution and agrees with the need to address issues related to formula milk marketing. She asks if follow-on milks advertising should be completely banned.

She discusses obesity as a growing problem, highlighting statistics from her constituency where 20% of children and 25% of adults are obese. She emphasises the need for education on healthy living within low-income families and supports cooking classes in schools to combat poor eating habits.

She agrees with Flick Drummond about making healthy food affordable but stresses the importance of education on cooking skills, especially in schools.

I totally agree with the attempts to provide free school meals for all pupils receiving the pupil premium, focusing on healthy breakfasts. Not only does Pompey in the Community support local schools by providing physical education and out-of-school activities but also I propose using funds from the sugar tax to support more sports activities and encourage a daily mile run in every school. Schools should be encouraged to develop nutritional education and promote an active lifestyle for children.

I thank Dr Wollaston for securing this debate on childhood obesity, highlighting the shift from under-nutrition to over-consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and salt. The Health Committee’s investigation found one in five children are overweight or obese when starting school, rising to one in three by primary school end. Childhood obesity leads to serious health issues, mental health problems, stigma, bullying, and poor oral health. Addressing this requires a multifaceted response involving private enterprise, responsible marketing, improved food labelling, increased focus on sports and healthy pursuits, local commissioning efforts, and government initiatives.

In Mexico the average consumption of Coca-Cola is 0.5 litres a day per person with children being fed Coke in baby bottles. We need action not just on pricing but also marketing, preventing situations where people buy large quantities and feel compelled to consume them.

I pay tribute to the Backbench Business Committee for allocating time for such an important debate on childhood obesity. The Health Select Committee produced a comprehensive report titled 'Childhood Obesity—Brave and Bold Action', highlighting the need for significant intervention. Childhood obesity is strongly linked to deprivation, reversing trends where malnourishment was traditionally associated with poverty. The most deprived children are twice as likely to be obese compared to their least deprived peers, and this gap is widening. I urge the Minister to provide a date for the publication of the Government’s strategy on childhood obesity. We need action at both supply and demand sides—on food and drink companies and through better education about healthy eating habits. Funding cuts pose a significant threat; Public Health England might lose its ability to tackle obesity effectively if resources are severely constrained. The cost of treating obesity and related conditions amounts to £5.1 billion annually, underscoring the need for preventive measures.

If a sugar tax is introduced, it could alleviate financial pressures on tackling childhood obesity through other means.

Welcomed the debate on behalf of the Government, acknowledging contributions from Members and expressing readiness to respond formally to Health Committee reports. Emphasised the need for a range of measures to tackle obesity in children due to its significant health implications and inequalities linked with lower income groups. Mentioned government initiatives such as Change4Life campaign and Sugar Smart app aimed at empowering families with information about sugar intake. Highlighted the role of food industry, front-of-pack labelling schemes, and physical activity in addressing obesity.

Asked for clarification but did not make a substantial contribution as per provided text.

Not directly relevant to this debate as her contribution was made in a different context.

The theme of Holocaust Memorial Day is about bystanders who watched and did nothing during the holocaust. Survivors represent the best example of human nature, reflecting on the horrors to learn lessons for a world free from hatred and genocide. The work of the Holocaust Educational Trust keeps survivors' memories alive through 'Lessons from Auschwitz', which has taken over 28,000 students and teachers to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Paying tribute to Karen Pollock for her work with the Holocaust Educational Trust. Acknowledging that the fund also refers to the 8,372 Bosnian Muslims killed in Srebrenica as victims of a holocaust.

I share the sentiments expressed by the hon. Gentleman... It is fitting as the theme of this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day and an exhortation for this House and for every citizen we are sent here to represent.

I am grateful to follow the hon. Member for Ilford North... We must not go away with the idea that this is just about stolen Picassos and Klimts, because sometimes it is about very small objects.

Agreed with the remarks of Wes Streeting and raised concerns about post-war appointments in West Germany involving people who were known Nazis.

Discussed a property stolen from a Jewish family during World War II and mentioned the need to open files related to amnesty given to individuals involved in Nazi activities. Emphasised the importance of acknowledging past atrocities.

Paid tribute to Wes Streeting's opening speech, highlighted Hitler’s indifference towards Western civilization and the need for a strong defence against genocide.

Reinforced Eric Pickles' points about understanding what motivates normal people to commit atrocities during genocides.

Called for shorter interventions due to limited time remaining in the debate.

Stressed the importance of vigilance against future genocides, called for protection of free speech in universities, and highlighted lessons from the Holocaust regarding human behavior under oppressive regimes.

Discussed the significance of Holocaust Memorial Day and its importance in commemorating victims while challenging racism and discrimination to prevent future genocides. Highlighted the role of education and organisations like the Holocaust Educational Trust.

Acknowledged the increase in both anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic attacks, praised the work done by the Community Security Trust and Tell MAMA to ensure the message of 'Never again' is upheld.

I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to those mentioned and supporting their efforts. We must prevent future genocides globally, as Elie Wiesel advised us not to stand by. Sir Nicholas Winton's work saved the lives of 669 children during WWII, inspiring current support for Syrian refugees through World Jewish Relief. The holocaust demonstrated the necessity for a state like Israel, which has the right to exist.

I align with Joan Ryan's words and thank those who secured this debate. I pay tribute to the Holocaust Educational Trust’s work in educating about the holocaust's contemporary relevance. The industrial scale of extermination was horrific, but survivors like Corrie ten Boom showed courage by hiding Jews and helping them escape Nazi persecution. We must remember such heroes and not stand by during today’s genocides, like those against Yazidis and Christians in Syria and Iraq.

I am pleased to speak on the 71st anniversary of the liberation of concentration camps. Teaching about the holocaust is crucial for preventing future atrocities, as seen in my experiences teaching and meeting Reverend Ernest Levy, an Auschwitz survivor who dedicated his life to interfaith dialogue and combating ignorance-based anti-Semitism.

I pay tribute to the work of Yad Vashem and the Holocaust Educational Trust in capturing personal testimonials and educating young people about Nazi Germany's atrocities. I urge all hon. Members to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau and see for themselves the brutality of the Nazi regime, which dehumanised its victims and led to mass genocide. I highlight the 26th anniversary of the Kashmiri Pandits' forced eviction from their homes, an event that is rarely discussed but should be remembered alongside other genocides. Additionally, we must address Holocaust deniers and combat countries denying these atrocities ever occurred.

I commend the hon. Member for Ilford North for his exceptional speech on Holocaust remembrance. It is essential that while the events of the Holocaust move into history, its lessons remain relevant. I emphasise the importance of understanding how ordinary people can commit diabolical acts under certain circumstances and highlight the significance of reconciliation as seen in South Africa's truth and reconciliation process.

I echo the importance of understanding how ordinary people can commit atrocities, as witnessed in Rwanda where a man involved in genocide was now a babysitter for a woman whose family had been annihilated. This reflects the point made about very ordinary individuals being capable of ghastly actions.

We must combat all forms of racism, including anti-Semitic and Islamophobic ideologies, by celebrating diversity rather than merely tolerating it. I propose that the House could consider adopting a practice similar to Scotland's 'time for reflection', which welcomes contributions from various faiths and backgrounds, encouraging an inclusive atmosphere.

Mr. Lee discussed the historical significance of the Wannsee Conference and its impact on genocides, emphasising the need to understand why such atrocities occurred. He highlighted the industrial scale of Holocaust deaths, including events at Chelmno, Sobibor, Treblinka, Auschwitz, and Babi Yar, noting that 33,000 people were killed over two days in Ukraine during a genocide nearly three decades before his birth. Mr. Lee mentioned personal experiences as a doctor where he cared for Holocaust survivors, emphasising the importance of reflection, understanding, and action against future genocides.

Mr. Jenrick shared stories from his constituency, including visiting the National Holocaust Centre in Newark. He recounted the harrowing tale of his wife’s grandparents, who survived the holocaust after witnessing their families' mass killings and living through partisan warfare until liberation. Mr. Jenrick also spoke about James and Stephen Smith, non-Jewish founders of the National Holocaust Centre, who have dedicated themselves to preventing genocides worldwide through initiatives like Aegis Foundation and Steven Spielberg's Shoah Foundation.

I am very proud of the diversity of modern Scotland. It is important to ensure that every member of our communities, including those from the Jewish community, feels safe and protected against anti-Semitism. We have a duty to refugees, and we must not ignore their cries for help during crises like in Syria.

I attended the Srebrenica memorial service last year and saw thousands of schoolchildren at Westminster Abbey learning about remembrance. Educating future generations is crucial to ensure we never forget and stand by during such events.

Scotland's Government has made a clear commitment to understanding and protecting faith through education, including the importance of Holocaust education. Our young people must have the opportunity to understand what happened during the Holocaust. The Lessons from Auschwitz project is valuable for Scottish students and teachers.

Holocaust Memorial Day allows schools, colleges, faith groups, and communities in Scotland to remember the 6 million men, women, and children murdered by the Nazi regime. This event underscores the broad effects of the Holocaust and its impact on survivors' families.

I visited the Kindertransport statue at Liverpool Street station, which was heart-breaking to learn that after WWII, only 732 orphaned children could be taken in by Britain due to limited space. Jane Haining's story illustrates quiet sacrifice and compassion for Jewish children during perilous times.

I want to talk briefly about Rev. Ernest Levy, who fled Bratislava with his family in 1938 and was deported to concentration camps during WWII. He survived Bergen-Belsen and later worked with the Holocaust Educational Trust, bringing a sardine tin to Holyrood that symbolised light and hope for him.

Expressed gratitude to hon. Members for their contributions and highlighted the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day, noting its origins in the Stockholm declaration signed by 46 Governments in 2000. Emphasised the need to remember and learn from the holocaust while challenging anti-Semitism and bigotry. Highlighted the growth of HMD activities since 2005 with over 3,600 events last year. Recognised the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust in educating young people about the holocaust. Connected the European convention on human rights to the lessons learned from the holocaust, noting its aim to prevent future atrocities and ensure Government accountability.

Expresses gratitude towards all Members for their passionate contributions, referencing Primo Levi's words: 'It happened, therefore it can happen again'. Challenges the House to rediscover its internationalist traditions in light of current issues.