MP writing to the Government about accessibility of healthier food
John Baron MP recently attended a Parliamentary reception organised by Bite Back, a youth-led movement which campaigns in favour of curbing unhealthy food marketing targeted at children.
At the event Bite Back launched its election manifesto, which outlines a set of measures to hold big food companies to higher health standards, as well as restricting advertising and marketing to children and rebalancing the wider food system through new commercial incentives. At the reception John was joined by other MPs, which was addressed by young people from Bite Back as well as by the Public Health Minister, Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom MP.
Dame Andrea said,
“Just talking to two of the young people here, I completely share the disgust at big businesses who deliberately target children with their advertising and filling up food with junk in the hope that you just won't be able to resist that flavour.”
“As the minister responsible for this area, I have made it one of my priorities. I fully intend to be making some further announcements within the next few months about what we are actually going to do to further tackle obesity and make it much easier for families to eat healthily.”
John said,
“I congratulate Bite Back on organising an excellent event, where the passion of all those involved shone through. I enjoyed hearing from the young people involved in the campaign, and had a good conversation with Bite Back representatives. I would like to particularly congratulate Bite Back on marking its fifth anniversary.”
“I will be writing to the Government with regard to Bite Back’s election manifesto, and look forward to learning more about the Government’s future work to address obesity and facilitate healthier eating.”
Notes to Editors:
- For more information about Bite Back, please visit: https://www.biteback2030.com/ or contact Henry Makiwa on henry.makiwa@biteback2030.com / 07523 681 057.
- The attached photograph shows John at the event with Bite Back’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, Ayesha Ahmad.