Independent UK: Public health fears as Lansley retreats from regulation

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Doctors and academics are increasingly concerned that the Coalition is rolling back measures to combat high consumption of junk food, alcohol and cigarettes, and will fail to overhaul Britain's record as one of the fattest, unhealthiest countries in Europe.

The Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, formerly a director of a marketing company with junk food clients, has declared his intention to press ahead with "nudges" to change behaviour rather than continue the "nannying" approach taken by Labour.

In the latest disappointment to health professionals, he is reconsidering a ban on the display of tobacco products due to take effect next year – which campaigners say would help prevent children from joining the 80,000 killed annually by smoking. The Government has also delayed detailing a proposed ban on "below cost" selling of alcohol designed to tackle cut-price supermarket promotions.

Separately, using freedom of information laws, The Independent has confirmed the dominance of multinational companies on a Whitehall project setting health policy. Eighteen representatives of Mars, Unilever, Diageo and other commercial interests attended the first meeting of the Public Health Responsibility Deal in September – three times the number from health and consumer groups. The group will propose policy on diet, drinking, tobacco, exercise and behaviour change. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nudge-or-fudge-public-health-fears-as-lansley-retreats-from-regulation-2151049.html