In the midst of the obesity epidemic which has affected the Western world for the past decade or so, fast food restaurants have been demonised, by some health experts, as one of the driving forces behind Britain’s expanding waistlines. As a result, campaign groups have formed discourage the growth of chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC in a bid to limit public access to unhealthy meals.
However, Britain’s new high streets minister Brandon Lewis has this week controversially defended the fast food industry, claiming that these restaurants and takeaways play a key role in attracting custom to town and city centres. He believes that the more popular chains on UK high streets bring prosperity to key areas, employing large numbers of workers and that they are important in filling a consumer demand for takeaway meals.
He says; “Labour kept having a go at fast food places when actually McDonald’s, Burger King… those kind of places, whichever your fast food place of choice is, are massively important.
“They are massive employers, they are not coming to the high streets to annoy us.
“They are coming to the high streets because we all go to McDonald’s, or whatever our personal taste is.”
Mr Lewis spoke in defence of fast food restaurants following complaints by the Labour party that changes to planning regulations now make it easier for chains and individuals to convert empty high street units to fast food outlets.
Although at first glance it appears the Conservatives may share the negative view of fast food, given David Cameron’s pledge to consider a “fat tax” on foods such as takeaway pizza and processed meats, Mr Lewis is wholly of the opinion that ministers should be putting more effort into educating people about healthy eating rather than “dictating” which foods consumers should or should not eat. He believes that taking this step, rather than simply limiting commercial property access for “unhealthy” brands, would be more beneficial in keeping the health costs of the NHS at a manageable level.
He continued; “If we want to get people eating more healthily then we have to educate people around that and the obesity issue.
“I’ve got to take responsibility for me and my family and actually McDonald’s or Burger King is fine now and again but we shouldn’t be eating it three times a day.”
Mr Lewis may come under fire from anti-obesity campaigners following his statement. But with unemployment remaining relatively high, especially in the key 16-24 age group, it could well be the case that the UK simply cannot do without these chains bringing prosperity to towns and cities across the country.
Do you think the government should supply more educational material regarding healthy eating to help families make informed choices, or do you believe stronger action is necessary to combat obesity?
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