The Queen's first ever public engagement since the death of Prince Philip came with many revelations as to what the UK could expect in terms of changes to come. Promises of economic growth to aid all four kingdoms after the turbulence generated by the coronavirus pandemic were put on the table as well as mandates ensuring greater social diversity and inclusion.
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Clamping down on junk food
Perhaps one of the most groundbreaking announcements in yesterday's speech was the abolition of conversion therapy and funding for those who had been sufferers of such mistreatment.
But none have created as much of a divide as the Queen's plans to ban all TV adverts for unhealthy foods before the 9PM watershed as well as a complete outlaw online. Although there is a serious obesity crisis in the UK at the moment, those opposing the new proposition believe that banning certain TV adverts will do more harm than good in the long run. Matthew Lesh, head of research the Adam Smith Institute, explained:
The ad ban plan is nutty nanny statism. It will do nothing to reduce obesity while savagely striking at struggling hospitality businesses and hurting the public.
The measures will apply to a shockingly large array of foods. It will be illegal to advertise online British favourites like fish and chips, scotch eggs or even a Full English breakfast; takeaways would be unable to post images of their food online; descriptive words like ‘delicious’ will be banned.
And added:
Thousands of restaurants, which have been kept alive thanks to online delivery, will no longer be able to advertise online to find new customers, hitting small businesses the hardest.
Obesity in the UK
The decision to put a limit to junk food ads comes as no surprise considering the statistics showcasing the dire need for the UK to slim down collectively. According to official figures, more than six out of 10 adults and one in three children are either overweight or obese.
More concerning is the fact that obesity can only lead to further problems to develop that could prove lethal for many. Coronavirus was observed to be more dangerous for those with a BMI higher than what is considered 'healthy.' Other health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and a number of types of cancers can also amplify in gravity for people who are overweight or obese.
A 2019 study conducted by the Health Survey for England estimates that 28% of adults in England are obese and a further 36.2% are overweight.
