Titled A Preventable Crisis: The Case for a National UV Safety Strategy, the report is based on a year-long inquiry led by MP Carolyn Harris, gathering evidence from healthcare professionals, academics, industry stakeholders and people with lived experience. It concludes that the UK lacks a joined-up approach to UV-related harm prevention.
Key recommendations include removing VAT on children’s SPF 30+ sunscreen and reducing it to 5% on adult products, with the APPG arguing sunscreen should be treated as preventative healthcare. The World Health Organization classifies UV radiation as a Group 1 carcinogen.
The report also highlights affordability concerns, with Tesco-commissioned research showing 31% of parents cannot always afford sun protection for their families.
It notes that more than seven people die from melanoma each day in the UK, while up to 90% of skin cancers are considered preventable. Cases are projected to rise further, with an estimated 26,500 new diagnoses annually by 2038, and NHS treatment costs already around £750 million per year.
Further recommendations include tighter regulation of sunbeds, stronger warnings, and potentially raising the legal age of use, as well as recognising UV exposure as an occupational risk requiring employers to provide sunscreen as PPE for outdoor workers.
The APPG also calls for mandatory UV education in schools and action against online misinformation about sun safety.
Carolyn Harris MP said: “We must stop short-term thinking about sun protection… We are calling on the Government to lead a sustained, national campaign… that mirrors the 40-year success of Australia’s ‘Slip, Slop, Slap!’ initiative.”
