The Prime Minister has rejected calls from health experts for a tax on sugary food and drinks, despite a major report saying it could help tackle the UK's obesity crisis.
Downing Street said David Cameron had not read the Public Health England study suggesting a 10-20% tax, but added that he does not "see the need" for taxation on sugar.
Jamie Oliver has urged the government to be "bold and brave" and introduce a tax on high-sugar food.
The celebrity chef said he was "excited and relieved" to see the release of a major study by Public Health England, which backed the measure along with others such as a limit on advertising of sugary goods.
"The ball is firmly in the government's court," Oliver said. "There has never been a better time than now. Lets tackle this like parents not politicians." The Prime Minister has already rejected the introduction of taxation on sugary goods, despite the health body's recommendations being backed by a number of clinicians.
The numbers behind child health in England are frightening - no wonder the Prime Minister is being urged to act.
More than 70% of senior health professionals would support a tax on sugary foods and drinks, according to an ITV News poll.
A 20 per cent 'sugar tax' should be imposed on food and drink in a bid to help tackle the country's obesity and health crisis, a report says