Should sunbeds be banned?

Unmanned coin operated tanning salons look set to be outlawed in England Wales and under 18s banned from using tanning booths under a proposed new law being launched today - have your say

Health Secretary Andy Burnham today gave the Government's backing to a call for tanning salons to be banned from allowing under 18s to use sunbeds.

Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts is also backing the ban and both will speak at today's launch of a Private Member's Bill being introduced by Cardiff North MP Julie Morgan.

It will be a struggle to get the Bill through before the looming general election but Ms Morgan hopes Mr Burnham's backing will smooth its way.

"I'm absolutely delighted that he's given his support to the Bill. It's a Bill that's urgently needed. If you get backing from the Secretary of State there's that much more chance we'll get it through. It's absolutely great."

Skin damage

Ms Morgan said there was no doubt about the skin damage that young people could suffer as a result of sunbed use and added the campaign had cross party, as well as public, support.

"It will still be tough for a Private Member's Bill to get through," the Labour MP admitted.

Mr Burnham said: "The scientific evidence is clear -  sunbeds increase your risk of getting skin cancer. It is far too easy for young people to use sunbeds and I am determined to take action to protect them."

"I fully support this Bill which will force tanning salons to ban access for people under 18 years old."

The Bill, which will have its second reading in the House of Commons on January 29, will be launched by Ms Morgan and charity Cancer Research UK today.

Nicola Roberts

Roberts, who is making a documentary about the dangers of the tanning industry, said she has learned to love her pale skin after years of using fake tan to match her bronzed bandmates.

A Cancer Research UK report, commissioned by the Government, found 6% of children aged 11 to 17 had used a sunbed, with the figure rising to 11% in the North of England.

A fifth (20%) of children in Liverpool and 18% of those in Sunderland said they had used a sunbed, according to the report published in November last year.

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