By Sarah Begley
A new tax on the makers of sugary drinks will go into effect in the U.K. in two years in an effort to prevent childhood obesity.
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced the new soda tax on Wednesday, noting that it would raise more than £500 million (about $700 million) which will be applied toward funding school sports.
Nutrition advocate and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver took to Instagram to celebrate the announcement on Wednesday, calling the new tax a “profound move” and “amazing news.”
A 10% tax on sugary drinks in Mexico has proved reasonably effective over the last two years, with one study reporting a 6% decline in purchases.
[Reuters]
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
- How Nayib Bukele’s ‘Iron Fist’ Has Transformed El Salvador
- What if Ultra-Processed Foods Aren’t as Bad as You Think?
- How Ukraine Beat Russia in the Battle of the Black Sea
- Long COVID Looks Different in Kids
- How Project 2025 Would Jeopardize Americans’ Health
- What a $129 Frying Pan Says About America’s Eating Habits
- The 32 Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2024
Contact us at letters@time.com