Escalating child obesity crisis demonstrates profound lack of action by the Conservatives – Jonathan Ashworth

Jonathan
Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on the
today’s childhood obesity statistics from the National Child Measurement
Programme, said:

“The
escalating childhood obesity crisis is a disgraceful example of how we are
depriving our children of the best possible start in life.

“The
UK has one of the worst childhood obesity rates in Western Europe, and the gap
between children from the most and least deprived backgrounds is also rising at
an alarming rate.

“The
Government’s watered-down obesity strategy, alongside severe cuts to public
health and education budgets, demonstrates a profound lack of action. Unlike
the Tories, Labour will prioritise child health and wellbeing with a
comprehensive child obesity strategy, including the banning of junk food
advertising on family television.”