Scrap the sugar tax and all anti obesity plans Petition

[AnnaWoods1986]

Just done a petition to scrap the sugar tax and bring back freedom of choice for high sugary drinks without sweeteners added, some people are allergic to sweeteners, everybody is allowed to have what they want in moderation, also instead of making unhealthy food more expensive, healthy food should be made cheaper. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/620658

Signed. I particularly hate the taste of sweeteners and my poor DN is allergic.

Just don't buy the diet versions.

I sort of understand your sweeteners/allergy arguments but why the rest of it?

Theres good evidence that small environmental nudges do help people make healthier choices. And the UK is seeing a lot of health issues that are caused or impacted by food and lifestyle choices.

even non-diet versions usually have artificial sweeteners in them. Its virtually impossible to buy any without

even non-diet versions usually have artificial sweeteners in them. Its virtually impossible to buy any without

Totally agree.

I agree, it should be personal choice.

Have at it

My personal choice is to drink water, save money and now artificial sweeteners.

Sugary drinks are known to be strongly linked to weight gain, they have no impact on feeling full, just give empty calories, cause insulin spikes, etc. Look it up, there are lots of scientific studies showing the negative effects of sugary drinks on obesity and diabetes. For children as well as adults, who are less capable of moderating their intake of such drinks (sugar is addictive).

I’m sorry I think you are being ignorant.

Please don’t sign this petition if you value your health or want to protect the NHS from having to spend more on diabetes and obesity- related medical issues!

Also what is your grand plan for making healthy food cheaper? Mostly costs of healthier food are driven by seasonality, cost of refrigeration, cost of distribution etc, requirement for better quality produce since it’s not mixed with so much sugar, salt, oil to taste appealing, uses more expensive ingredients. Don’t get me wrong, I would also love to see healthier food be cheaper but there are reasons why healthy food is more expensive and signing a petition to stop the sugar tax isn’t the solution.

Fake sugary drinks have similar biological effects. They're not healthy, either.

I think there's a place for both - if somebody wants to have sugar alternatives, they can, but they shouldn't be financially penalised for choosing something without artificial sweetners.

Not signing. I think they are a great idea. Personal choice has led to us being the fattest nation in Europe, which we should be ashamed by.

Scrap poverty, make it easier and safer for women and girls to exercise and you'll have more of an impact on obesity.