Keir Starmer ready to face down ‘nanny state’ jibes in radical public health drive
GuardianSep 16
UK to Ban Junk Food TV Ads
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 Facts
The UK Government has confirmed that, from Oct. 1, 2025, unhealthy food television advertisements before 9 pm and all online paid-for advertising will be banned.
The policies were part of Labour's 2024 election manifesto and are claimed by the government to be an attempt to address childhood obesity rates.
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.