Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, wants the government to take further action on sunbeds to protect children and young people.

Last month, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) published a report into the health effects of sunbed use. It  recommended regulation of sunbed salons and measures on staffing as well as supporting the European Union and World Health organization position, that under 18s should not be allowed to use them.

The MP is backing a Commons motion calling for restrictions on sunbed salons.

Speaking from his Westminster office, the MP said, “According to Cancer Research, about 100 people die from melanoma each year. Yet young people, who are most at risk, can gain easy access to commercial sunbeds.”

“I want the government to stop under 18s using sunbeds, as well as ensuring that all salon staff have been trained to a suitable standard and that the salons display accurate health information about the risks involved.”

Note to Editors:The Commons motion  reads: That this House expresses concern that under 18 year olds are able to easily access unsupervised sunbed salons; notes that unsupervised sunbed salons have no staff to prevent under 18 year olds using sunbeds; further notes that both the World Health Organisation and the European Union have expressed the view that under 18 year olds should not use sunbeds; further notes that sunbed use when young is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer; further notes with alarm the increase in incidence rates of malignant melanoma over the last 20 years; recognises the commitment in the Cancer Reform Strategy to review options for addressing sunbed consumer safety; and calls on the Government to prohibit use of sunbeds by under 18 year olds, provide evidence-based health information in sunbed salons and prohibit unsupervised sunbed salons.