Statement by Dr. Kelly Henning in Response to the U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne’s Announcement of a Tax on Sugary Drinks
“George Osborne’s announcement today to tax sugary drinks puts the U.K. at the forefront of the global fight to reduce obesity and diabetes. It is exciting to see governments taking concrete actions to address these serious public health problems. Bloomberg Philanthropies has been a strong advocate for comprehensive public health approaches in reducing obesity, including supporting public health advocates and experts in Mexico who successfully pushed for the passage of a 10 percent tax on sugar sweetened beverages. Governments are standing up for health – sugary drinks are a major contributor to empty calories around the world.” – Dr. Kelly Henning, Director of Public Health, Bloomberg Philanthropies