MPs put interests of junk food manufacturers above children’s health
May 18, 2008
Despite a clear message from the public that advertising junk food to children is not acceptable, last month the Food Products (Marketing to Children) Bill had its progress through Parliament blocked by opposing MPs.
It’s rare for a Private Members Bill to succeed, and despite an overwhelming response from campaign supporters, the Bill was talked out by MPs who oppose regulations on advertising, and ran out of time on 25th April. MP Philip Davis, who worked for Asda before entering Parliament, was still speaking when the session came to an end.
Nigel Griffiths, the MP who introduced the Bill, said “I’m absolutely furious a former supermarket executive from Asda, who doesn’t believe in advertising controls, has done this.”
The lobbying from campaign supporters wanting better protection for children was brilliant. Over 2000 emails were sent to MPs, as well as over 250 postcards. Early Day Motion 445, calling for an end to junk food marketing which targets children, was signed by over 220 MPs, making it one of the ten most popular EDMs in Parliament.
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