Emma Reynolds vows to tackle Wolverhampton obesity crisis

Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds has vowed to take action after figures revealed 70 per cent of people aged 16 and over either overweight or obese in the city.

Miss Reynolds made the pledge as she has recently been appointed to the health select committee, who are conducting an inquiry into childhood obesity.

She said that obesity is a 'growing problem amongst children in our city' and that cutting down on 'sugar intake' would play a key role in reducing obesity in the city and across the UK.

"The committee is currently conducting an inquiry into childhood obesity," she said.

"This is an important issue for Wolverhampton. Obesity is a growing problem amongst children in our city. Over 12 per cent and 26 per cent of children in reception and year six are obese, while 70 per cent of people aged 16 and over in Wolverhampton are estimated to be either overweight or obese. These figures are all well above the national average.

"I will keep an open mind as to what can be done to best tackle the rise in obesity. However, it is vital that the government encourages people to cut down on their sugar intake and eat healthier foods.

"Obesity is linked to other health problems such as Type-2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

"The government should therefore look closely at a sugar tax. David Cameron is wrong to have ruled this out despite evidence that such a tax is backed by the majority of the public.

"I will also take the government to task over its mismanagement of the NHS. My role on the committee will enable me to hold the government to account and call for improvements to be made to the NHS so that the needs of patients always come first."

Miss Reynolds was previously a shadow secretary of state for the Labour party before joining the committee which oversees the operations of the Department of Health and its associated bodies.

She said of the appointment: "I am delighted to join the Health Select Committee. The NHS is a major priority for people in Wolverhampton, and New Cross is one of the largest hospitals in the region. I know people are concerned by rising A&E waiting times and other issues.

"The committee plays an important role in holding the government to account on the NHS and other public health issues. In my new role, I will have an opportunity to represent my constituents' views when questioning Ministers and NHS officials."

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