MPs call for sport camps and daily mile initiatives to combat growing childhood obesity epidemic
MPs have discussed the most effective ways to use cash raised from the soft drinks tax, including the rolling out of sports camps and daily mile initiatives.
The 90-minute debate, which took place on Tuesday afternoon at Westminster in London, was tabled by Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon. He opened the discussion by saying that a third of children are overweight or obese, which was "an alarming figure, which creates social norms and becomes acceptable".
Tomlinson highlighted the positive work of Draycott Sports Camp in his constituency, which runs after-school, weekend and school holiday clubs. He said: "Two-hundred primary schoolchildren were being active every day in the last summer holidays.
"The club is for the vast majority of children who are not sport minded. There should be hundreds and hundreds of these camps."
In March last year, the government announced it would be introducing a tax on sugary drinks, which is expected to come into force in April 2018 and predicted to raise £520m in its first year.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb, who also attended the debate, confirmed that the £520m from the levy will be ring-fenced until 2020. However, Will Quince, MP for Colchester questioned whether £520m would be raised and said the figure would more likely be between £200-300m.
During the debate, Maggie Throup, MP for Erewash, warned that one in five children begin primary school either being overweight or obese and that youngsters are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She said: "We need to tackle obesity at a young age. Changing habits in children now will change their habits for life."
David Rutley, MP for Macclesfield, and Caroline Monaghan, MP for Glasgow North West, highlighted the importance of daily mile initiatives.
Monaghan told MPs: "The daily mile was developed in Stirling. It takes 15 minutes each day. My own children do the daily mile up and down tarmac. They say it makes then feel energised and refreshed."
She continued: "The Scottish Government has made a commitment that Scotland will be the first daily mile nation and it will be rolled out in schools, nurseries, colleges and workplaces. Eight-hundred schools are doing the daily mile."
St Ninians Primary in Stirling, Scotland, launched its daily mile scheme in 2015. Monaghan said that there are now no overweight children in Primary 1 at the school, adding: "We need to raise children as fit and active citizens."
Rutley called on the UK Government to prioritise efforts to encourage schools to adopt daily mile initiatives. He argued that active mile concepts, which were referenced in the Government’s Childhood Obesity Plan, are “simple, basic initiatives, that encourage and inspire children, taking just 15 minutes out of the day to run, walk, or jog”.
He said: “They are fun, non-competitive and inclusive. Something everyone can engage with, and they help to encourage more children to get their 60 minutes of activity at school.”
Rutley also spoke about the positive effects that such schemes and other physical activities can have on children’s academic performance, which he said left kids “more awake, more alert, and more focused on their lessons”.
The MP also advocated the role that organisations such as ukactive can play in helping roll out active mile schemes.
A ukactive report, Blueprint for an Active Britain: Milestone Review, has called for the national roll out of active mile concepts, offering a simple way for schools to incorporate an inclusive physical activity into schools.
After the debate, ukactive executive director Steven Ward said: “Active mile schemes have shown themselves to be a great way of getting children moving more in school and should be rolled out nationwide, but ukactive research shows that children are least active when they’re at home, so money from the Sugar Levy should also be used beyond the school gates to offer activity sessions that are accessible for all over holiday periods.
“Schools minister Nick Gibb’s confirmation that the £520m of extra funding from the Soft Drink Industry Levy will be ring-fenced until 2020 should be viewed as a deadline for the physical activity sector in order to evidence our impact."
Sugar tax obesity physical activityCash from sugar tax to encourage physical activity
Leisure centre operator SIV introduces sugar tax
UK government announces £520m 'sugar tax'
Childhood obesity strategy further delayed, with sugar tax and physical activity unlikely to feature
Jamie Oliver backs plans for new ‘sugar tax’
![Daily mile initiatives in schools are helping tackle obesity Daily mile initiatives in schools are helping tackle obesity](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/625033_253123.jpg)
![Ameyalli is set to become a Ameyalli is set to become a](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353383_853999_207904.jpg)
Deepak Chopra-backed wellness resort Ameyalli to open among historic Utah hot springs
![Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, the project is a public-private partnership between Pima County and the Erman brothers’ hospitality development company, Infinite Concepts / Shutterstock/Brent Coulter Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, the project is a public-private partnership between Pima County and the Erman brothers’ hospitality development company, Infinite Concepts / Shutterstock/Brent Coulter](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353272_852222_343038.jpg)
Connection, creativity and nature inspire Arizona’s upcoming desert wellness sanctuary Align
![Established operators like SHA Wellness are making substantial investments in wellness real estate – the group’s upcoming Emirates outpost will feature a large real estate component with 150 residences and 120 suites / SHA Wellness Established operators like SHA Wellness are making substantial investments in wellness real estate – the group’s upcoming Emirates outpost will feature a large real estate component with 150 residences and 120 suites / SHA Wellness](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353237_656636_774240.jpg)
Wellness real estate market booming – forecast to reach $913bn by 2028, reports GWI
![The new facility represents Dior's fifth global spa and joins its portfolio of branded wellness destinations in France and Morocco / Dorchester Collection The new facility represents Dior's fifth global spa and joins its portfolio of branded wellness destinations in France and Morocco / Dorchester Collection](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353087_217202_51713.jpg)
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
![Europe's first Evian Spa has opened at The Hôtel Royal, a five-star hotel located at the Evian Resort on the shores of Lake Geneva / Grégoire Gardette Europe's first Evian Spa has opened at The Hôtel Royal, a five-star hotel located at the Evian Resort on the shores of Lake Geneva / Grégoire Gardette](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB353000_63020_184996.jpg)
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
![The Health Resort is situated around 180km from Shanghai West in a secluded nature haven with views of mountain ranges, lakes and lush hillside tea farms / Clinique La Prairie The Health Resort is situated around 180km from Shanghai West in a secluded nature haven with views of mountain ranges, lakes and lush hillside tea farms / Clinique La Prairie](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352978_189491_463426.jpg)
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
![GoCo Health Innovation City is already on-site / Copyright: Semrén + Månsson GoCo Health Innovation City is already on-site / Copyright: Semrén + Månsson](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352968_235299_235120.jpg)
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
![Four Seasons has promised wellness will be a central pillar at the upcoming resort / Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Four Seasons has promised wellness will be a central pillar at the upcoming resort / Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352928_173701_285534.jpg)
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
![Janu Tokyo is home to 4,000sq m of spa and wellness facilities designed to foster connection among guests / Aman Group Janu Tokyo is home to 4,000sq m of spa and wellness facilities designed to foster connection among guests / Aman Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352879_963687_24541.jpg)
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
![Terme Bjelovar will feature a combination of wellness and leisure facilities / Terme Bjelovar Terme Bjelovar will feature a combination of wellness and leisure facilities / Terme Bjelovar](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352828_439021_221899.jpg)
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
![A rendering of Santani, Jabal Shams / Santani Wellness Resorts/Omra Group A rendering of Santani, Jabal Shams / Santani Wellness Resorts/Omra Group](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352818_952381_796315.jpg)
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
![The sky high infinity pool / Kerzner International The sky high infinity pool / Kerzner International](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352790_952033_494258.jpg)
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
![Ritz-Carlton, Portland has been realised inside a 460ft crystalline tower created by GBD Architects / Ritz Carlton Hotels Ritz-Carlton, Portland has been realised inside a 460ft crystalline tower created by GBD Architects / Ritz Carlton Hotels](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352675_858615_747220.jpg)
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
![The Emory Hotel will feature a private members club called Surrenne / Maybourne/RSHP/Google The Emory Hotel will feature a private members club called Surrenne / Maybourne/RSHP/Google](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352640_564217_450366.png)
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
![Cunnamulla Hot Springs' programming is anchored by self-guided wellness experiences / Peninsula Hot Springs Cunnamulla Hot Springs' programming is anchored by self-guided wellness experiences / Peninsula Hot Springs](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352645_476299_726112.jpg)
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
![The programme has launched with 25 global pilot participants, with projects in 10 countries / Shutterstock/LightField Studios The programme has launched with 25 global pilot participants, with projects in 10 countries / Shutterstock/LightField Studios](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352639_655076_803947.jpg)
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
![The spa is complete with a 12,000sq ft Water Garden surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna / Conrad Orlando The spa is complete with a 12,000sq ft Water Garden surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna / Conrad Orlando](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352633_265705_625231.jpg)
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
![Studio A+ designed the hotel with a Zen-inspired orange glass pavilion suspended over water / Archi-translator Studio A+ designed the hotel with a Zen-inspired orange glass pavilion suspended over water / Archi-translator](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352629_690884_979904.jpg)
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
![The e-sports arena will have haptic seats and immersive screens / Populous The e-sports arena will have haptic seats and immersive screens / Populous](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352623_421727_382626.jpg)
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
![Wake The Tiger is launching a major new expansion / Wake The Tiger Wake The Tiger is launching a major new expansion / Wake The Tiger](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352539_24036_814552.jpg)
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
![All Othership studios feature a performance sauna, multiple ice baths and communal spaces / Othership All Othership studios feature a performance sauna, multiple ice baths and communal spaces / Othership](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352587_113413_906070.jpg)
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
![Peppa Pig Park is opening this year in Günzburg, Bavaria / Merlin Entertainments Peppa Pig Park is opening this year in Günzburg, Bavaria / Merlin Entertainments](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352528_788222_278021.png)
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
![Featuring 35 residences and 100 oceanfront rooms and suites, the building's design is inspired by a human genome
/ SHA Wellness Clinic Featuring 35 residences and 100 oceanfront rooms and suites, the building's design is inspired by a human genome
/ SHA Wellness Clinic](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352538_635523_96325.jpg)
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
![The new property marks the 14th One&Only property / Kerzner International The new property marks the 14th One&Only property / Kerzner International](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352495_661624_222378.jpg)
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
![Calcot Manor is launching an exclusive fitness offering / Calcot Collection Calcot Manor is launching an exclusive fitness offering / Calcot Collection](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352485_790914_917037.jpg)
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
![The 80,000sq m ski resort will open in 2025 / 10 Design The 80,000sq m ski resort will open in 2025 / 10 Design](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352444_703681_372165.jpg)
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
![The proposed spa and leisure facility will be surrounded by nature and feature indoor and outdoor wellness experiences to connect guests with their surroundings / Murrayshall Country Estate The proposed spa and leisure facility will be surrounded by nature and feature indoor and outdoor wellness experiences to connect guests with their surroundings / Murrayshall Country Estate](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352408_469871_401997.jpg)
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
![Relaxation spaces around Janu's lap pool / Aman Relaxation spaces around Janu's lap pool / Aman](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352393_619726_160859.jpg)
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
![The US$200m (£166.9m, €193.6m) resort project marks Therme’s first announced location in the Asia Pacific / Shutterstock/TRAVEL TAKE PHOTOS The US$200m (£166.9m, €193.6m) resort project marks Therme’s first announced location in the Asia Pacific / Shutterstock/TRAVEL TAKE PHOTOS](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/THUMB352391_303403_845411.jpg)
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
![The most recent attraction – Universal Studios Beijing – opened in September 2021 / Universal Studios The most recent attraction – Universal Studios Beijing – opened in September 2021 / Universal Studios](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2023/THUMB352381_863342_554384.jpg)