Erewash MP Maggie Throup has urged the Treasury to immediately remove VAT on high-factor sunscreen products, to help protect more people against the rick of developing melanoma (skin cancer).
Her calls come as new data published by the skin cancer charity Melanoma Focus, shows that 67 per cent of people would use sunscreen more if it was cheaper and 1 in 10 people do not use sunscreen because of the cost.
Speaking in the House of Commons Chamber during PMQs, Maggie, who has previously undergone treatment for melanoma herself, said:
Of the 16,700 cases of melanoma diagnosed in the UK every year, sadly over 2,000 will prove fatal. Regularly applying sunscreen is our most effective weapon against this deadly disease, yet the Treasury remains stubbornly opposed to exempting these lifesaving products from VAT. With a further heatwave expected later this month, will my right hon. Friend assure me, as a melanoma survivor, that he will do everything in his power to remove VAT from high-factor sunscreen to save lives and support the NHS as it celebrates its 75th anniversary?
To which Oliver Dowden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Secretary of State in the Cabinet Office and Deputy Prime Minister replied:
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise the dangers of melanoma. As a fair-headed person with a fair-headed family, I am acutely conscious of the need to wear sun cream. I will not trespass on Treasury decisions in this setting, but I know that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will have heard her representations.
