Jamie Oliver tells MPs to be ‘big and bold' on sugar tax

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has urged Government ministers to be "big and bold" by introducing a tax on sugary fizzy drinks.

Oliver has been campaigning for a levy to be introduced in the forthcoming child obesity strategy.

Speaking in front of MPs at a House of Commons Heath Committee, Oliver said a tax would be the "single most important" change that could be made, according to the BBC.

A sugar tax could raise an estimated £1b a year, although ministers have indicated that one would not be introduced.

But Oliver, who has helped garner 150,000 signatories to a petition in favour of the idea, argued: "We should be big and bold. Who is running the country? The businesses who are profiting from ill health or is it us?"

In a statement, the Department of Health said: "The government has committed to a tax lock to avoid raising the cost of living and to promote UK productivity and economic growth.

"The causes of obesity are complex, caused by a number of dietary, lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors, and tackling it will require a comprehensive and broad approach.

"As such, the government is considering a range of options for tackling childhood obesity."