Government backs ban on children using sunbeds

Under-18s in England may soon be banned from utilising sunbeds, after the government announced it will back a new bill forbidding their use by children.

Health secretary Andy Burnham confirmed he will be calling for tanning salons to permanently ban youngsters from their sunbeds, amid the rising concerns over skin cancer.

Mr Burnham said: “It is far too easy for young people to use sunbeds and I am determined to take action to protect them.

“I fully support this bill which will force tanning salons to ban access for people under 18 years old.”

He announced that the government will back a private member’s bill, which will introduce the ban at a photo call with Cancer Research UK.

In November last year, data from the charity showed that 11 per cent of children use sunbed equipment in the north of England, compared with four per cent in the Midlands and the south.