Hello Steph

I've contacted my MP twice on the subject of VAT on sunscreen. Sunscreens are not a cosmetic and should not be taxed. They can also be prohibitively expensive. Cheaper prices on quality sunscreens can be had at Home Bargains who stock Calypso (Which Rated) and Superdrug can be good too. 

While the commitee is only recommending tighter controls on sunbed use, it is worth noting that Australia and Brazil have totally banned them. Both countries with high skin cancer rates like UK. 

Education on the potential harm that over exposure to UV sunlight is certainly the way forward, not just melanoma but Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Actinic Keratosis. The payback in future savings to NHS could be in the £hundreds of millions and a healthier population.

I have an interest in this as I currently have incurable metastatic squamous cell cancer, caused by over exposure to UV sunlight from my outdoor profession which could have been avoided. It has cost both myself and the NHS £tens of thousands for my treatment over the years.

The UV light levels reached UV6 in south of England today for the first time this year. This equates to a skin burning time of 30 minutes. Many holiday destinations can get to UV11 to 13 skin burning times 5 to 15 minutes.

If you are reading this and wish to avoid skin cancer if UV is 3 or more wear protective clothing, hat, sunglasses, use sunscreen, avoid midday sun 11:00 to 15:00  and stay clear of sunbeds.

Ed