For immediate release:
UK GOVERNMENT MUST LISTEN TO CALLS TO SCRAP SUNSCREEN VAT
Lanarkshire MSP Clare Haughey has backed calls for the UK government to remove VAT on sunscreen products to tackle the rising number of skin cancer cases.
The local MSP met with her SNP colleague, Amy Callaghan MP, in the Scottish Parliament to learn about her ‘VAT Burn’ campaign.
Ms Callaghan, a cancer-survivor herself, is leading the campaign at Westminster for a change in the law to exempt sunscreen from VAT.
Since the early 1990s, cases of skin cancer have more than doubled with 16,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed across the UK each year, resulting in 2,300 deaths. An estimated 90% of cases of melanoma could potentially have been prevented by staying safe in the sun.
Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:
“I am proud to add my name to Amy Callaghan’s calls for the UK Government to drop VAT on sun cream of factor 30 and above as these products are essential health items.
“Removing VAT from sunscreen will not only save lives, but will relieve pressure on our NHS which, as we know, is already under increased strain.
“It is disappointing that the UK Government have yet to introduce such a VAT exemption, but I hope Amy’s campaign will be the catalyst for change.”
ENDS
Notes:
Attached is a photograph of Clare Haughey MSP with Amy Callaghan MP – taken 9th May 2023.
Clare Haughey MSP 