New milkshake tax set to be added to 93pc of drinks on the market

Milk drinks can be high in added sugar

The Government says a new 'milkshake tax' is about improving health rather than raising revenue.

A health minister said “obesity is the major challenge of our health service for this generation”, amid reports the Government will introduce a so-called “milkshake tax” on sugary packaged drinks. Asked whether tackling obesity was more important than raising revenue, Karin Smyth told Times Radio that any tax measures would be set out in the Budget but “the wider point is about tackling obesity, which we know is one of the biggest causes of ill health, and therefore demand on the health service.”

“Measures we’ve already announced as part of the manifesto, to reduce junk food advertising, particularly to protect young people from becoming obese, because