Some time again we really useful a coverage of masterly inactivity to a UK authorities decided to privatise Channel 4, a terrestrial TV channel (with a rising variety of digital bits) that prices the taxpayer nothing and, in its final yr, made a surplus of over £100m.
That one appears to have been kicked into the lengthy grass, as now (formally) has the proposed ban on HFSS meals (excessive in fats, sugar and salt) now scheduled to be checked out once more after the following election in 2024.
The Division of Well being nonetheless maintains: “The federal government takes tackling weight problems significantly. Having a match and wholesome inhabitants is important for a thriving economic system and can proceed to work intently with business to make it simpler for folks to make more healthy selections.” So it’s a keep of execution for quick meals, confectionery manufacturers and the like.
However will it ever occur? It’d if Labour wins the following election nevertheless it’s yet one more instance of this specific authorities being seemingly unable to do something – or something helpful.
The nation is grinding to a halt with just about no trains operating all through December (Christmas journey and all that) because the Authorities stymies a rail peace deal due to its daft insistence that trains run with out guards. Guards certainly can’t value that a lot (rail fares within the UK are sky excessive) and most passengers really feel significantly safer if there’s another person on the practice aside from the driving force.
There’s little proof that an advert watershed of 9pm would do a lot to slim down fats Britain nevertheless it’s not an unreasonable transfer. The TV corporations would certainly cope.
A greater transfer can be to ban betting and playing adverts completely. In the mean time they’re restricted to a post-9pm watershed (as is deliberate for HFSS) which solely implies that the harmless viewer of Sky Sports activities and different channels is bombarded with the rattling issues after 9pm regardless of overwhelming proof that betting is dangerous for you – particularly given the rise of betting on mobiles – and impressionable folks don’t all go to mattress at 8.59pm.
Usually phrases promoting is sweet for the economic system – helps competitors and partly funds free media – however there are some exceptions. HFSS meals could also be one. Playing is actually one other however will the Authorities and advocates of promoting just like the UK Promoting Affiliation ever grasp the nettle? Don’t maintain your breath.
