Advertising Restrictions on Less Healthy Food

Lord Boateng Excerpts

Monday 14th July 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for that question. The whole impact of this is closely monitored. There are all sorts of complexities that we have to bring in, including the impact on broadcasters and online advertising and how we deal with the fact that so many people watch on catch-up. All these issues are at the forefront of the Government’s mind and we will continue to monitor.

[Lord Boateng (Lab)]

My Lords, as a child, I was profoundly influenced by an advert designed to encourage me to eat—and my mother to buy—instant mashed potato. I survived that experience, as did many others of my generation, as I can see looking around the House. Of much more profound and benign influence was the impact of domestic science being taught in my school. What proposals do the Government intend to bring forward to encourage the integration of healthy eating practice into our school curriculum?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

What absolutely terrifies me is how I can remember the jingles from so many adverts from when I was a child. I am not sure if I did any revision for exams or not—I cannot remember any of that, but I remember that Smash was going to transform our lives. My noble friend will be aware of the curriculum review that is taking place. There is enormous interest in the whole area of domestic sciences, as well as food, and in the introduction and expansion of best start family hubs. It is about educating the whole family to make sure that we can move forward.