Sunbed Regulatory Bill needs MPs support

(11/03/2010)

In the UK, malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is now the most common cancer in young adults aged 15-34 . Sunbeds are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in the highest risk category for cancer, alongside tobacco. The intensity of UV rays in some sunbeds can be more than 10 times stronger than the midday sun and there is strong scientific evidence to show the skin damage they cause increases skin cancer risk.

The Report Stage of the Sunbed Regulatory Bill will take place in the House of Commons, tomorrow at 9.30am [Friday 12 March, 2010]. Attempts to protect young people from the dangers of sunbeds are in serious jeopardy unless MPs turn out in force to support the Sunbed Regulatory Bill.

The Private Member’s Bill, brought by Julie Morgan MP for Cardiff North, is supported by Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts. At a photocall in College Green, Westminster, they were joined by teenagers who highlighted the effects sunbeds can have on the skin like blistering and unattractive goggle marks. The photocall urged all members of the House of Commons who want to prevent children and teenagers from increasing their risk of skin cancer to vote on Friday.

Julie Morgan said: “There is a real danger that this Bill – which has cross party support - will fall unless MPs turn out on Friday to support it. Many members go home to their constituencies on Fridays but it is vital that as many as possible stay for the report stage. Children and teenagers have cheap and easy access to sunbeds and are increasing their risk of skin cancer. We must do everything pass legislation before the election.”

Sian James, MP for Swansea East who has been campaigned on this issue for several years added: “This is an important stage of the Bill. We must not miss this opportunity to make progress. A delay at this point could derail several years of hard work and I urge everyone to support this much needed legislation.”

Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts visited the House of Commons in January and won support for the Bill from health secretary Andy Burnham. She told him: “Growing up near Liverpool, I know girls are under huge pressure to look good and are judged on how good their tan is. I was really shocked when it was revealed that half of all 15-17 year old girls in Liverpool have used sunbeds. We must work together to put a stop to the dangerous culture of tanning. I urge MPs to attend the crucial report stage of the sunbeds bill in parliament on Friday.”

Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity devoted to helping young people in the UK fight cancer, also supports this proposed ban. Simon Davies, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, comments: “Every day in the UK six teenagers are told they have cancer. This is a rising figure and we see a lot of these young people on our specialist teenage cancer units. With skin cancer some of these cases are preventable. We need to protect young people from creating the skin damage that can lead to cancer in later life. We need to educate young people about the dangers of sunbeds and prevent their use at a young age. It is vitally important that this Bill is passed and urge MPs to vote in its favour and make a real difference to the lives of young people.”

Related categories:  Health and well-being   Legislation   Sun protection and self tanner 

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