Sugar tax backed by the Welsh Government
The Welsh Government has become the first parliament to vote in favour of a 20% sugar tax on sugary drinks.
Although the Welsh Government does not currently hold the power to introduce new taxes, it can introduce new devolved taxes with agreement from the UK Government as a result of the Wales Act 2014.
Mick Armstrong, chair of the British Dental Association, supported the backing, stating that “Finally we’re seeing some real leadership on the sugar crisis from our elected representatives”.
He continued to say that Britain is addicted to sugar, and “if we’re going to break that habit it will require politicians in Westminster, Edinburgh and Belfast to pick up the trail set by pioneers in Cardiff Bay.”
Mr Armstrong further noted that “Sugar has placed a huge and avoidable burden on our NHS.” And that it is “nothing short of a national scandal that we’re seeing children lining up in our hospitals for tooth extractions, and we need parents, business and policymakers to take action.”
“This vote demonstrated the Welsh Government is prepared do its bit, even if it means going where other governments fear to tread.” Mr Armstrong said. “A sugar tax is not a silver bullet, but together with action on public education, reformulation, and marketing we can start changing habits and improving health.”
He went on to say that “Ministers across the UK will be failing in their duty to the public if they take any of these measures off the table.”
