Lanarkshire MSP calls for VAT on high-factor sunscreen products to be removed to tackle skin cancer cases

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Motherwell and Wishaw’s MSP is calling for the removal of VAT from sunscreen products of SPF 30 and above to help tackle the rising number of skin cancer cases.May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the calls come following a debate in Holyrood led by Jackie Dunbar MSP where MSPs threw their support behind Amy Callaghan MP’s campaign.The latter launched the VAT Burn Campaign late last year and has already received cross-party support in Westminster, as well as the backing of six major cancer charities.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android There are 16,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed each year across the UK, with 2300 people dying.

Of these cases, the majority are caused by exposure to the sun.The SNP’s Clare Adamson said: “Ahead of the summer, and, hopefully, the onset of better weather, this is an effective measure that the UK Government could take to encourage people to stay safe in the sun and reduce the incidences of skin cancer.“Melanoma is a life-threatening cancer.

One in 36 men, and one in 47 women will suffer from melanoma in their lifetimes. and, crucially, it is almost always preventable.“Up to 90 per cent of cases of melanoma could be prevented by safer practices – including sunscreen of SPF 30 and above with a 4-star UVA protection rating.“We know that around one in eight people are