Keir Starmer ready to face down ‘nanny state’ jibes in radical public health drive
GuardianAUG 30 2024
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Above: In this photo illustration two young child watch television at home, January 27, 2005 in London, England. Image copyright: Peter Macdiarmid/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Keir Starmer's series of socialist nanny-state interventions on the public's health is an infringement on individual liberty and British values. Already fixated on banning smoking and energy drinks, the UK's Labour government's supposed bid to tackle child obesity seems less about reforming the NHS and more focused on dictating personal lifestyle choices.
Narrative B
While predictable cries of nanny state are to be expected, the imminent threat of collapse facing the NHS without a new wave of bold health-focused policies simply cannot be ignored. With the societal impact of obesity-related health complications becoming increasingly damaging, Labour is fulfilling Tory-era pledges to turn the corner on the UK's growing health crisis.