Majority of South West Residents Demand Health Policies Be Shielded from Corporate Influence

A significant majority of residents in the South West are calling for stronger protections to ensure that health policies are free from the influence of industries whose products are linked to preventable illnesses and deaths. According to a recent YouGov poll, 76% of the region’s adults believe that health policy should be shielded from the influence of businesses involved in the tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy food and drink industries.

Widespread Public Concern

The poll results show that 81% of South West residents support protecting health policies from the tobacco industry, while 73% want similar safeguards against the influence of the alcohol and unhealthy food and drink sectors. This overwhelming support for protective measures comes amid growing concerns over the health impact of harmful products. In England, nearly 90% of deaths are caused by conditions that are largely avoidable, including cancers, respiratory diseases, heart and liver conditions, and mental health disorders.

The newly published report by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the Obesity Health Alliance (OHA), and the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) reveals shared strategies used by these industries to downplay the risks associated with their products. These tactics include legal threats, influencing policymakers through gifts and hospitality, and undermining the potential harms linked to their products.

Call for Policy Reform

Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and a member of the Association of Directors of Public Health’s advisory group on the commercial determinants of health, has highlighted the need for urgent reform. She pointed out that consumer choices are not entirely free, as they are heavily influenced by industry lobbying and marketing tactics. Wigglesworth argued that to build a healthier society, the levels of harmful consumption must be reduced.

“To do this, we need to rethink how these businesses are engaged in policy making where there are clear conflicts of interest between commercial and public interests,” Wigglesworth stated. She emphasised that only by focusing on creating a strong economy that promotes good health and well-being for everyone, can the nation’s health be improved, enabling people to lead longer, healthier lives.

Gaps in Current Regulations

The UK’s commitments under the World Health Organization’s tobacco control treaty already impose strict rules on government engagement with the tobacco industry. However, despite the proven effectiveness of these measures in reducing harmful consumption, similar regulations are yet to be applied to the alcohol and junk food industries.

The report makes a compelling case for extending such protections, noting the critical need to restrict industry influence over public health policies. With strong public support and clear evidence of the dangers posed by these products, public health leaders are urging policymakers to act now to safeguard the health of the nation.

For more detailed information, you can read the full report.