Meacher sweet on sugar tax

OLDHAM MP Michael Meacher is supporting calls for a tax to be slapped on sugary drinks to subsidise the price of fruit and vegetables.

The Oldham West and Royton MP said the move would help make healthy choices more accessible..

He said: “The price of food has risen significantly and families struggle to juggle bills and put food on the table. Adding a tax on sugary drinks would lower the price of fruit and vegetables. If people were unable to buy because of the price, it would allow them to make that choice.”

Mr Meacher is urging the Government to consider the proposals, believing it could reduce obesity levels by 180,000.

Obesity levels in Oldham’s children are above the national average as are cases of diabetes, according to Oldham’s health profile produced by Public Health England.