Health chief says Brexit could help beat obesity

Brexit can help Britain beat the “battle of the bulge”, the head of the NHS has said. Simon Stevens said freedom from EU law would mean the UK could introduce tougher rules on the food and drink industry.

He called for the Government to take “assertive” action to cut obesity rates, suggesting post-brexit Britain could see the introduction of measures such as compulsory calorie labels on packaging.

“Hitherto, the argument has been that our hands have been tied on some of these matters,” Mr Stevens said. “But if we’re going to take back control of our regulations then let’s take back control of the fight on obesity.”