UK MPs call for ban on fast food outlets near schools and junk food advertising to tackle obesity

The Commons health committee has urged ministers to give local councils powers to block fast food openings near schools and ban outdoor advertising of unhealthy foods.

• The committee said the government should stop giving in to food industry lobbying and ban fast food outlets near schools and junk food advertising on billboards and public transport.
• The committee said the Labour government has not followed through on pledges to introduce policies to tackle bad diets.
• Layla Moran, the committee chair, said ministers must give local authorities the power to fight fast food chains.
• The Advertising Association said advertising restrictions would not reduce obesity, citing decades of research.