Commenting ahead of the publication of new legislation from the Labour Government to restrict the placement and price promotion of certain foods, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Mental Health, James Evans MS said:

“Obesity is a pressing issue across the Western world that is a costly drain on the limited resources of our precious Welsh NHS and it is a shame that is has taken the Welsh Government this long to address the problem. However, during the cost of living pressures we are all facing, we need cast iron assurances from the Welsh Labour Government that they do not intend to ban meal deals and that any new regulations will not increase the average weekly cost for shoppers.

“To address obesity, we need a whole Government approach to tackle the issue, with educating children about food, teaching physical education and funding for sports clubs at the heart of a cross-departmental strategy.

“The Welsh Conservatives believe the role of government is to educate, advise and to encourage better eating behaviours. It is very disappointing that due to Labour mismanagement drastic steps now need to be taken to reduce obesity in Wales.”