Conservative Party Conference 2011: fat tax could be introduced in Britain

[WestVirginiaRebel]

UK Telegraph:

The Government will consider introducing a ''fat tax'' to tackle Britain's growing levels of obesity, David Cameron said today.

The Prime Minister said drastic action was needed to prevent health costs soaring and life expectancy falling.

Under measures introduced recently by Denmark, a surcharge is being placed on foods that contain more than 2.3% saturated fat.

The levy is targeting high-fat products such as butter, milk, cheese, pizza, meat, oil and processed food in a bid to improve health.

Danish consumers have criticised the step, while retailers have complained about excessive bureaucracy.

However, Mr Cameron said a similar move should not be ruled out in the UK.

''I think it is something that we should look at,'' he told 5 News during a round of broadcast interviews at Tory conference in Manchester.

''The problem in the past when people have looked at using the tax system in this way is the impact it can have on people on low incomes.

''But frankly, do we have a problem with the growing level of obesity? Yes.

''Do we have a kind of warning in terms of, look at America how bad things have got there, about what happens if we don't do anything? Yes, that should be a wake-up call.''
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Say it ain't so, Cameron! I thought he was supposed to be a conservative PM.