Govt backs ban on children using sunbeds
Govt backs ban on children using sunbeds
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Wednesday, 13, Jan 2010 08:19
By inthenews.co.uk staff
Under-18s in England may soon be banned from using sunbeds, after the government announced it will back a new bill forbidding their use by children.
Health secretary Andy Burnham confirmed he will be calling for tanning salons to permanently ban the use of the beds by youngsters, amid the rising concerns over skin cancer.
Mr Burnham said in a statement on Wednesday: "It is far too easy for young people to use sunbeds and I am determined to take action to protect them.
"I fully support this bill which will force tanning salons to ban access for people under 18 years old."
Mr Burnham announced the government will back a private member's bill, which will introduce the ban at a photo call with Cancer Research UK.
In November last year, Cancer Research UK found worrying levels of sunbed use amongst the under-18s.
The data showed large variations across the regions with 11 per cent of children using sunbed equipment in the north of England, compared with four per cent in the Midlands and the south.
Also, in a study of six different UK cities, figures were dramatically higher in Liverpool with 20 per cent having used solariums and Sunderland at 18 per cent compared with the other cities for 11 to 17year-olds.
Hollyoaks actress Gemma Merna, who is supporting the ban, said: "I started to use sunbeds once or twice a week with my friends when I was 15 but never realised the risks that I was putting my skin through just to get the perfect tan."
The private members bill will be introduced by MP Julie Morgan and will be reheard at the second reading in the House of Commons January 29th.