Food tsar warns PM Johnson taxes on bangers and bacon could spark protests
Boris Johnson’s food tsar Henry Dimbleby wants Brits to pay meat taxes to help tackle climate change but has warned of a potential backlash.
Processed meats including burgers, bacon, chicken nuggets and ham could face a levy, according to a draft plan leaked to The Sun.
Move could prompt backlash
Henry Dimbleby is expected to tell the prime minister that any tax should be avoided in the short-term because it may spark protests.
Sources said the document was “still a work in progress” but did not dispute the move to make some meats more expensive.
The report, which is due to be released next month, says ministers are concerned about the move receiving a negative reaction, according to the media report.
Net zero target
Boris Johnson had ruled out a meat tax when he was asked about it by journalists earlier in the year.
However, legally-binding targets to achieve net zero carbon emissions in Britain by 2050 could force the government into action.
A fifth of the UK’s emissions come from food, a large proportion of which derives from meat production.