Boris Johnson vows to axe sugar tax on fizzy drinks to reduce food bills for poorest families
- Tory leadership frontrunner will promise to review Theresa May’s sugar tax
- Will also vow to freeze new taxes on foods which are high in salt, fat or sugar
- But the Royal Society for Public Health warned you ‘cannot outrun a bad diet’
Boris Johnson today declares war on ‘sin taxes’ on sugary and fatty foods – as he warns they hit the poorest with higher bills.
The Tory leadership frontrunner will promise to review Theresa May’s flagship sugar tax on fizzy drinks if he reaches No10, and insists it will not be extended to milkshakes.
He will also vow to freeze new taxes on foods which are high in salt, fat or sugar – and argue those who want to lose weight should just exercise more.
The policy would amount to a major reversal of government efforts to combat obesity. Last night news of the announcement sparked a backlash from health campaigners who accused Mr Johnson of ‘turning back the clock’.
The Royal Society for Public Health argued you ‘cannot outrun a bad diet’ and said it was wrong to put the onus on individuals to change their habits.
The Tory leadership frontrunner will promise to review Theresa May’s flagship sugar tax on fizzy drinks if he reaches No10, and insists it will not be extended to milkshakes
In one of his most significant policy announcements to date, Mr Johnson will question whether there is clear evidence that ‘sin stealth taxes’ work. ‘The recent proposal for a tax on milkshakes seems to me to clobber those who can least afford it,’ he will say. ‘If we want people to lose weight and live healthier lifestyles, we should encourage people to walk, cycle and generally do more exercise.’
A levy on soft drinks was introduced in April 2018 in an attempt to cut the amount of sugar they contain. Aides said Mr Johnson’s policy will not apply to other sin taxes such as those on cigarettes and alcohol.
Allies of Jeremy Hunt said the policy exposed divisions in Mr Johnson’s camp. Health Secretary Matt Hancock – a backer of Mr Johnson – recently signed off extending the sugar tax to milkshakes, and a ban on sales of energy drinks to children. Mr Hunt’s side said this showed Mr Johnson’s ‘own team are profoundly against’ his policies.
The move was hailed by low-tax activists, however. Daniel Pryor of the Adam Smith Institute said: ‘It’s about time someone stood up against the killjoys who want to ban Tony the Tiger and force you to pay more for your sugary drinks.’
But the Royal Society for Public Health argued you ‘cannot outrun a bad diet’ and said it was wrong to put the onus on individuals to change their habits (file photo)