MPs call for ban on fast food outlets opening near schools to tackle obesity

MPs say fast food chains are exploiting ‘loopholes’ to challenge councils that stop them opening near schools. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian

Fast food chains such as KFC should be stopped from opening near schools, and advertising for junk food on billboards and public transport should be banned to help curb obesity, MPs will say today.

The Commons health committee will also urge ministers to stop giving in to food industry lobbying and get tough to tackle a problem that costs the UK £74bn a year and causes huge illness.