STRATEGY UNIT, OBESITY AND LOW CALORIE SWEETENED BEVERAGES

Early day motion 1002, tabled 21 February 2008 by Austin Mitchell (Labour). Signed by 36 members.

That this House notes with interest the work being undertaken by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit in relation to food and the role of the food industry; observes that currently over 1,000 people in the United Kingdom become obese every day; suggests that the Strategy Unit highlights the fact that one of the single most effective ways in which Government could improve public health is by a consistent message, across all agencies, that consumers who wish to avoid weight gain should consider low calorie options when choosing sweetened beverages; and observes that such an approach would be consistent with growing consumer preferences for diet drinks, require no legislation, and have no cost to the Exchequer.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 5, Conservative 4, DUP 3, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.