Prime minister Rishi Sunak has delayed the upcoming HFSS ban on buy one get one free (BOGOF) junk food promotion deals for another two years in England – citing the “global economic situation” as a cause.
The high-in-fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) promotion policy, which had already been delayed until October 2023 from its original intended implementation date of 2022, will now be postponed until October 2025, the government has confirmed.
The move comes after the PM faced pressure from senior backbenchers at last week’s Prime Minister’s Questions where conservative MP for Shipley, Philip Davies, rebuked the measures.
Calling the ban “bonkers” and “idiotic”, Davies then went on to describe the marketing deal restrictions as a ‘socialist landmine’ and a sign of a “nanny state”.
“Can I ask the Prime Minister if he will intervene, pursue a more Conservative agenda as (Mr Johnson) would want him to do, and scrap this ridiculous policy?” said Davies.
Sunak had originally replied that no decision had been made and that Davies’ comments would only add to his “deliberations”.
Yet pressure from fellow MPs seems to have forced Sunak into a premature decision as on Saturday, only days later, 10 Downing Street released the announcement, citing the cost of living crisis – and the impact on business – as some of the causes for this delay.
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Commenting on the policy’s new date, the prime minister said: “It is right that we consider carefully the impact on consumers and businesses, while ensuring we’re striking the balance with our important mission to reduce obesity and help people live healthier lives.”
The health and social care secretary, Steve Barclay, added “We remain committed to cutting waiting lists by tackling obesity which costs the NHS around £6.5 billion a year and is the second biggest cause of cancer.
“We’re already taking action to do so, including by launching pilots for the latest anti-obesity drugs.”
The delay on BOGOF measures follows the government’s choice to also delay other HFSS restrictions – most recently, the 9pm watershed ban on the TV advertising of HFSS products.
While the government’s proposed measures do not currently relate to outdoor advertising, last month Tower Hamlet’s became the seventh local authority to take matter’s in their own hands and implement the measures throughout their borough.
