LONDON – Speaking at a session of the Commons health select committee, The Telegraph reports that celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, a supporter of imposing a tax on sugary beverages and snack foods, commented that he’s had “robust” discussions with the government about the plan. "The discussions that I've had haven't implied that that is written off. I think the discussions that have I've had have been robust," he said, adding, “We need to make sure that he's [U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron] brave,” suggesting a tax would remind businesses that childhood obesity is an overriding concern.

"It's symbolic of a government that is willing to fight tooth and nail for public health and most importantly for child health," Oliver said. "We need to be bold and brave and frankly act like a parent," he added, suggesting that for 30 years U.K. governments have not done enough to protect public interest.

Oliver believes that the government should impose a tax on sugary drinks for several years and see what, if any, impact the higher rate has on consumption. “My suggestion to the government is that we should implement a three-year sugary drink tax of 20% per liter, which is seven pence on a regular can of soda, and that we should absolutely interrogate it and put a sunset clause on it,” he said.

The news source writes that Oliver also called for more transparency on labels for drinks, a ban on energy drinks in lunchboxes, more cooking lessons in schools and limits on junk food sales near schools. He also said parents need help making better food choices for their children. “We are normalizing the consumption of sugar at home. It is completely inappropriate,” he said. 

Prime Minister Cameron has stated that he does not support a sugary tax, notes the news source.