SCRAP VAT ON SUNSCREEN TO REDUCE SKIN CANCER

Melanoma skin cancer rates have doubled in the UK since the 1990s, yet 90% of cases are preventable by being sun safe. Despite this, sunscreen continues to be classified as a cosmetic item, rather than an essential healthcare item, meaning it is subject to 20% VAT, which adds around £1.50 to the cost of each bottle.

I presented a Parliamentary Petition, calling on the UK Government to remove VAT on sunscreen to make it more affordable and to encourage people to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun and reduce the incidence of skin cancer.

More detail below: