Katharine Jenner, Director of the Obesity Health Alliance responds:

“This is a positive step towards the healthier future people want. Obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition that needs long-term support. Crucially, as the Government now rightly recognises, we must also shift to preventing ill health before it starts.

“After years of broken promises, delays and weak voluntary measures, this government must implement their Plan for Change in full this Parliament. Only then can we start to transform our food system – from one that fuels poor health to one that supports good health, right from the start of life.”

“Taking mandatory action to ban energy drinks for children, improve school food, limit junk food advertising and promotions, and financially support families to eat well from the earliest years won’t solve everything – but together with the new mandatory Healthy Food Standards, they are moving us in the right direction.”