Following a social media exchange with TV chef and food campaigner Jamie Oliver, Mayor Driscoll has announced he will ban junk food advertising on public transport in the North East if elected on Thursday 2 May.
Independent North of Tyne Mayor, Jamie Driscoll, said:
“We need to promote the welfare of our next generation. Because the kids who are struggling to learn today, will not be the ones to access the good jobs of tomorrow.
“As North of Tyne Mayor, I’ve funded work in 279 schools. Everything from oracy programmes to whole school mental health support to after school clubs. I’ve delivered a groundbreaking Child Poverty Prevention Programme tackling school uniform poverty and giving welfare rights advice.
“But it’s also about making sure kids are eating the right food. Jamie Oliver has done great work to highlight the importance of healthy eating. At 11% we have the highest rate of childhood obesity in the country. That’s why I’ll ban junk food advertising on public transport if elected North East Mayor.
“Five-years ago Sadiq Khan banned junk-food advertising across London’s TFL. It has prevented almost 100,000 obesity cases, saved the NHS over £200 million, and it didn’t negatively affect advertising revenue.
“As North East Mayor I want to make sure no child is left behind.
“I’ll continue to campaign against the cruel two-child benefit cap that keeps 45,000 North East kids in poverty. I’ll also work with our local councils to make sure everyone who is entitled to free school meals gets them. And help secure the £15 million that North East schools are missing out on from unclaimed pupil premium payments.
“You can’t level up with concrete. Investment in our young people will power our economy and shape our future. I’ll give them the bright start they deserve.”
