The coalition dismissed the idea of a sugar tax just over a year ago, but the pressure is building on David Cameron to re-evaluate his decision. A new report, which release was controversially delayed, suggests that the nation is eating far too much sugar. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that we should aim for a maximum of twenty-five grams of sugar a day; we eat up to seventy-four, on average. There has been a sharp increase in the national obesity statistics recently. The report says the answer could be a sugar tax somewhere between ten and twenty per cent.
A significant amount of our daily sugar comes from fizzy drinks, where one can contains up to forty grams; ten teaspoons. There is sugar hidden in lots of foods as well, such as ready meals, sauces, and cereals (even the healthy branded ones).
The main reason I oppose a
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Like David Cameron said – there are “better ways” to deal with obesity. Tax should be a last resort for the government. Try some other options before turning to a tax. “Panic causes tunnel vision. Calm acceptance of danger allows us to more easily assess the situation and see the options.” (Sinek S., 2009). A quick rack of the brain and one can come up with numerous other options. Try clamping down on ‘Buy one, get one free’ offers and sugary products marketed at children. Studies have shown that characters like Tony the Tiger, for Frosties, are massively persuasive to kids. Supermarkets always have sweets and chocolate on offer, ranging from half price to ‘Buy one, get one free’ deals. Have you ever seen a two-for-one offer on a bag of lettuce, or on any vegetable for that matter? Didn’t think so. The problem also lies in big companies like Cadbury, who are using gambling to encourage consumers to buy multiple bars of their chocolate. Their most recent attempt, shown on a Wispa bar: “HAVE YOU WON A JOYNORMOUS SURPRISE?” is asked by big, shouty letters on a colourful