Government takes steps to improve diets and tackle alcohol harm
Ahead of the Budget, the Chancellor said it would deliver on the priorities of the British people to cut waiting lists, national debt and the cost of living.
In response to the Autumn Budget 2025, Kate Oldrige Turner, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at World Cancer Research Fund said:
“Almost half of cancer cases are preventable by addressing key risk factors such as obesity and alcohol, so we are pleased to see the UK Government take concrete steps on prevention in this Autumn Budget.
“The expansion of the UK’s world-leading levy on sugar-sweetened beverages to include milk-based drinks and plant-milk alternatives, alongside lowering the sugar threshold to 4.5g per 100ml, are particularly welcome measures. This will build on the immense success of the levy, which has reduced the average sugar content of drinks sold in the UK by almost half since it was introduced. Crucially, it will drive further reformulation and ensure that more drinks sold to consumers are healthier.
“We are also relieved that the Chancellor will raise alcohol duty in line with inflation. The World Health Organization has identified alcohol duty as one of the most effective ways to tackle alcohol-related harm, including alcohol-related cancers, so we are glad to see the UK Government take this forward.
As a research funder, we would have liked to see the important contribution of the life sciences sector acknowledged in the Chancellor’s speech. Continued support and investment in research are essential to advance our understanding of cancer prevention and survivorship.
To improve public health and reduce burden on the NHS, today’s measures must be the beginning – not the end – of a bold approach to prevention. With the National Cancer Plan for England expected early next year, the UK has a crucial opportunity to put prevention at the heart of its cancer strategy.
We look forward to working with the UK government to make prevention a reality – helping millions of people live free from the devastating effects of cancer.
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