UK government responds to Jamie Oliver’s petition saying that it has “no plans to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages”

On Monday 21 September 2015, the UK government has responded to the petition launched by the well-known chef Jamie Oliver, who is campaigning for the introduction of a ‘soda tax’ as a solution for the problem of obesity. In its response, the government states that is not willing to introduce taxes that will increase “the cost of living” and negatively affect “UK productivity and economic growth”. The response also stresses that “the causes of obesity are complex” and “will require a broad and comprehensive approach” and therefore the administration is developing a strategy on childhood obesity that will take into account all of these factors.

The full statement by the UK Government can be found here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/106651.