UPDATED 4th July 2025.

HENRY has joined 47 leading health charities, including Action on Sugar and Action on Salt, in urging the Prime Minister to deliver on key commitments from the UK’s Childhood Obesity Plan. Ahead of forthcoming updates, we’re calling for progress on calorie targets, improved nutrition labelling and a comprehensive 9 pm watershed for unhealthy food advertising, to ensure families see healthier product choices more often.

You can read our letter in full here. 

Why It Matters for Families

The Government’s Traffic Light Scorecard 2020 reveals vital actions - like calorie reduction goals and clearer food labelling - are still at the red or amber stage. Without urgently implementing outstanding measures from Chapters 1–3, childhood obesity rates may continue to rise, putting families at greater risk of long-term health issues.

What We’re Asking the Prime Minister to Do

Charities are united in calling for a joined-up policy package that includes:

• Full implementation of outstanding obesity plan recommendations, including clear calorie and sugar targets
• A 9 pm advertising watershed for unhealthy food across all media platforms
• Updated, transparent national labelling and promotional rules for HFSS (high fat, sugar and salt) products

These steps will help families access healthier choices and support children’s future health.

HENRY’s Role in the Collective Effort

By standing alongside Action on Sugar, Action on Salt and high-profile charities, HENRY is reinforcing evidence-based policy that protects children and supports families. Working together strengthens our collective voice to shape the national health agenda and safeguard children’s wellbeing.

Further Reading & Reference Links

Supporting materials and detailed analysis:

• The Guardian: Food strategy calls for £3bn sugar and salt tax to improve UK’s diet
• Government Childhood Obesity Plan – Chapter 2 (PDF)
• Letter to the Prime Minister – Obesity Plan (PDF)
• Traffic Light Scorecard 2020 – Final Report (PDF)
• Action on Sugar: Childhood Obesity – A Plan for Action
• Action on Salt: CMO Special Obesity Report (PDF)
• The Guardian: Health England failing children over obesity, say experts
• British Dietetic Association: UK Government’s Childhood Obesity Strategy – Resource Report
• Action on Salt & Sugar: Major Conditions Strategy Submission (PDF)
• Action on Salt & Sugar: Treat and Prevent Report (PDF)
• Gov.uk: New Measures Announced to Halve Childhood Obesity by 2030
• The Guardian: Hugh Fearnley-Whitting stall accuses ministers of failing on obesity

Want to Know More or Get Involved?

If you'd like to explore our services, discuss partnership opportunities, or support HENRY in shaping a healthier future for children, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us.