A SNP MP who survived skin cancer introduced a bill to have VAT removed from sunscreen in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
Amy Callaghan said that the public is currently being "priced out" of the product.
The East Dunbartonshire MP was diagnosed with the skin cancer melanoma at the age of 19. She had to have surgery on her face and relapsed at the age of 21. Callaghan has been cancer-free since 2014.
At present, sunscreen is taxed in line with cosmetics while other healthcare products are exempt from VAT.
Callaghan’s ‘VAT Burn’ campaign would lead to the removal of the tax from sunscreen.
She introduced a Ten-Minute Rule Bill to the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon. She was given 10 minutes to present her bill to the house.
It will have a second reading on Friday, March 24. This will have a wider debate on the topic and potentially a vote.
The SNP MP also issued a warning to Tory ministers that it is “dangerous to ignore the voice of survivors”.
Cases of Melanoma have more than doubled since the early 90s. 16,000 new cases of the skin cancer are diagnosed across the UK each year. This results in 2,300 deaths.
As many as 90 per cent of cases of melanoma could be prevented by staying safe in the sun. This includes using sunscreen of SPF 30 and above with a 4-star UVA protection rating.
Callaghan's campaign has received cross-party support in Parliament and the backing of six national cancer charities so far.
Callaghan said: “Wearing sunscreen is one of the simplest things we can do to protect our skin against the risk of cancer but one in eight of us don’t wear it because of the cost.
“My campaign will stop families being priced out of buying sunscreen and make it more affordable for everyone.
“This is a simple and inexpensive Bill that could save countless lives. But the Tories appear unwilling to take the action that is needed – it is dangerous to ignore the voice of survivors.
“As a skin cancer survivor myself, I am hugely grateful for the support I’ve received for my VAT Burn Campaign from political parties and cancer charities.
“Australia, the US and Canada have already removed VAT-style taxes from sunscreen. There’s nothing stopping the Tories doing the same.”
