Boris Johnson ‘not attracted’ to taxes on food to cut sugar and salt

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson has said he is not attracted to proposals for taxes on food intended to cut sugar and salt which could hit “hardworking people”. Food entrepreneur Henry Dimbleby who led the National Food Strategy review, said action is needed to break the “junk food cycle” between consumers and food companies. “You’re not going to break this junk food cycle … unless you tackle it directly, and that is what we are recommending with the sugar and salt reformulation tax,” he said. The report has been backed by campaigners, including TV chef Jamie Oliver who said: “If both Government and businesses are willing to take bold action and prioritise the public’s health, then we have an incredible opportunity to create a much fairer and more sustainable food system for all families.” Shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard said the report is a massive wake-up call to fix Britain’s broken food system, but accused the Government of being incapable of ending the food bank scandal and obesity crisis, and making trade deals that betray British farmers.