Majority in UK want new tax on makers of ultra-processed and junk food

Obesity is costing the UK an estimated £98bn a year. Photograph: Arkadij Schell/Getty Images

A majority of people in Britain want new taxes imposed on companies that make either junk food or ultra-processed foodstuffs to help tackle the obesity crisis, polling suggests.

The findings prompted calls for ministers to help people eat healthier diets by putting a sugar tax-style levy on sweets, cereals, pizzas and other products containing too much salt or sugar.