Jon Ashworth admitted that his party would go even further and expand the taxes which have been put on sugary drinks like coke, which experts say hits the poorest the hardest
JEREMY Corbyn’s Labour would extend the sugar tax to milkshakes in a war on unhealthy food giants, Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth declared today.
The Labour veteran said the hated tax on Brits' favourite fizzy drinks “had been a success and should be expanded”.
George Osborne faced fury when he revealed plans to slap on extra costs as part of plans to tackle obesity in Britain, which came into force last year.
Experts said it would hit the poor the hardest.
And today Labour revealed they would go even further, taking aim at milkshakes.
That means much-loved cold drinks like Starbucks frappucinos could also face a hike in costs.
Mr Asworth told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show today: "I think the so called sugar tax on fizzy drinks has been a success
"I think we should expand that to for example, milkshakes."
And he added: "We have to be serious about taking on the sugar industry."
The tax is estimated to raise around £520million which will be used to fund sports in primary schools.
The government revealed in November 2018 that the sugar tax had raised close to £154million.
But it's come at a huge cost for Brits.
A standard can of regular Coke has gone up by around 8p for a 70p can.
A 1.75ml bottle of coke has increased from roughly £1.25 to £1.49.
OBESE Brits could be targeted with Facebook adverts in future to try and get them to lose weight, the Health Secretary has hinted.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Matt Hancock refused to rule out such a move in future.
He said he would "not rule out social media" to play a part in helping people to live healthier lifestyles.
Public Health England will instead be told to target those who are obese, smokers and people who drink to excess, the paper reported.
Whitehall's behavioural insights team have been ordered to help with the push.
“Public health campaigns have had some big successes in the past," he said.
"But I believe that in our digital age, just as modern life is becoming more personalised to the individual, public health campaigns can and should be targeted too."
And more than half of fizzy drinks have had their favour changed to try and comply with new rules.
Nanny-state health campaigners have said the fizzy drinks tax should be extended to cover all chocolate, sweets and other confectionery containing the highest levels of sugar.
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