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Majority of Labour MPs support greater intervention on high sugar food and drink

18-Jan-2024 - Last updated on 18-Jan-2024 at 10:01 GMT

The study found that more than half of Labour MPs would back greater levels of Government intervention to reduce consumption of high sugar food and drinks. Credit: Getty / Daniel Grizelj

New research has found that 52% of Labour MPs would support greater Government intervention to reduce consumption of high sugar food and drinks.

The study, which was commissioned by consulting firm Cavendish and undertaken by YouGov, also found that just 18% of Conservative MPs would support further intervention in this area. Meanwhile, 58% of the public would support either a tax or a ban on high sugar products.

Looking at fast food specifically, 44% of Labour MPs back greater intervention, compared to 18% of Conservative MPs. Asked about whether they would support a tax or ban on fast food sales, 50% of the public voted in the affirmative.

Commenting on the findings, head of insight at Cavendish Consulting David Button said: “Our polling highlights a clear appetite amongst Labour MPs and the public for intervention to reduce the nation’s consumption of ‘unhealthy’ food and drinks.

“We’ve seen limited progress in this space under recent Conservative governments but, as we approach a general election, food manufacturers and retailers will be looking ahead to a potential Labour Government and the shift in attitudes towards intervention that could come with it.”

Meanwhile, Joanna Trewern, head of research at ProVeg International, told Food Manufacture that the research was evidence of the fact that the public wants more support from the Government when it comes to eating healthy.

"It's good to see politicians recognising this and supporting measures that will make it easier for people to make healthier choices," Trewern continued.

"In the UK less than 1% of the population eat in line with Government advice (the Eatwell Guide). On average we're eating too much meat and foods high in unhealthy fats, salt and sugars, and not enough fruit and vegetables. We know that what we buy and eat is heavily influenced by what's available, affordable, accessible and appealing, and the Government needs to play its part in making healthy, sustainable options the easy choice."

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