Stirling MSP joins sunscreen campaign
Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed has backed a campaign to remove VAT from high-factor sunscreen products to tackle the rising number of skin cancer cases.
It follows a Holyrood debate in which MSPS threw their support behind Dumbarton East MP Amy Callaghan’s VAT Burn Campaign.
Ms Callaghan launched the campaign late last year – for sunscreen products SPF 30 and above – and has already received cross-party support in Westminster as well as six cancer charities.
There are 16,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed each year across the UK, with 2,300 people dying from the disease.
The majority are caused by exposure to the sun.
As many as 90 percent of cases of melanoma could be prevented by staying safe in the sun – including using sunscreen of SPF 30 and above with a four star UVA protection rating.
Ms Tweed said: “We know that around one in eight people are not wearing sunscreen because of the price, and fifty-seven percent of people said it was too expensive in general.
“Prices are soaring due to the cost of living crisis, so this nmeasure is more important than ever.
“Melanoma is a horrendous disease that one in thirty-six men, and one in forty-seven women, will suffer in their lifetimes. “Although it is life-threatening, it is almost always preventable.
“The UK government must step up and remove VAT from sunscreen, and do more to increase public awareness campaign to promote the use of sunscreen. Not only could it save lives, but it could also help protect NHS budgets.”
To find out more about the VAT Burn campaign visit: https://www.amycallaghan.scot/vat-burn