Why We Should Introduce a Fizzy Drink Tax

I would like to propose an tax to you, a new tax on fizzy and sugary drinks in the United Kingdom. I am aware that nobody likes taxes to be raised or new taxes to be implemented however for this tax it is an win – win situation.

Having to pay an higher price on sugary drinks will bring the government in a nice profit and also hold great benefits to your health and lifestyle. Implementing an tax like this could save the NHS up to £8bn that would otherwise be spent on Type 2 diabetes treatment and testing.

If we were to tax just 7p per can of cola or fizzy drink we could generate about £1,000,000,000 a year and this money could be spent on preventive strategies and combat against health conditions such as high blood sugar and Type 2 diabetes.

Studies have shown that soft drinks are the single source of sugar in the diet of UK school children and teenagers. It is clear that action is needed against this and action has to happen fast if we are to do something about this all together.

There is a petition on the United Kingdoms official petition site by Jamie Oliver calling for an tax to be implemented on all sugary drinks in the UK. Please check out and sign this petition with over 140,000 signatures. The petition is awaiting government response and will be discussed to be debated in parliament as it has over 100,000 signatures.

By: Joshua May, Political writer and activist. Supporter of old Labour. @JoshuaMayLabour