RAFT praises the House of Lords for supporting Private Members Bill

Posted 31/03/10

RAFT would like to openly thank the House of Lords for passing the second reading of the Sunbeds (Regulation) Bill. In today’s debate in the House of Lords, RAFT’s Chairman – The Earl Howe spoke forcefully about the need for this legislation.

Protecting the youth of today is such a necessity, especially from something so harmful but something that is so hard to notice. This silent threat kills nearly 5 people a day, but can be totally preventable. With the correct protection and by following a few easy steps we can help battle skin cancer.

Dr Emma Petty, COMARE Secretariat of the Health Protection Agency says 'COMARE supports the Private Members' Bill on Sunbed Regulation, particularly in the prevention of the use of sunbeds by children, which formed one of the recommendations made to the UK Health departments in COMARE's 13th report. COMARE believes that regulation is required on the commercial use of sunbeds in the UK.'

Leonor Stjepic, RAFT’s Chief Executive said “Banning under-18s from using commercial sunbeds will save lives, so we are delighted with the progress of the Bill so far. However, more needs to be done in helping young people understand why they shouldn’t use sunbeds. There is no real awareness amongst the young of the dangers of sunbeds.”

RAFT again would like to thank all of those who supported the campaign, and the Private Members Bill, and hopes that during the Summer you too will support RAFT’s “Cover Up For Cancer” campaign, which shall be launched in May.