Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, commenting on the today’s childhood obesity statistics from the National Child Measurement Programme, said:

“The escalating childhood obesity crisis is a disgraceful example of how we are depriving our children of the best possible start in life.

“The UK has one of the worst childhood obesity rates in Western Europe, and the gap between children from the most and least deprived backgrounds is also rising at an alarming rate.

“The Government’s watered-down obesity strategy, alongside severe cuts to public health and education budgets, demonstrates a profound lack of action. Unlike the Tories, Labour will prioritise child health and wellbeing with a comprehensive child obesity strategy, including the banning of junk food advertising on family television.”