A cross-party group of MPs has called for tougher action on sunbeds, including banning advertisements and requiring stronger health warnings about skin cancer risks in tanning salons. Their report warned that most skin cancer cases are preventable and highlighted evidence showing that using sunbeds before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 60%. Proposals include cigarette-style warning images in tanning shops, wider public education campaigns, stricter regulation of misleading social media claims and removing VAT from children’s sun cream and high-factor sunscreen products. The MPs also recommended improved sun safety teaching in schools (which currently are not required to provide shaded areas on sunny days) and better awareness of skin cancer risks across different skin tones. While the Sunbed Association argued the industry is already regulated, campaigners say stronger measures are needed as seven people die each day in the UK from melanoma, now one of the country’s most common cancers. Concerns have recently been expressed about misleading advertising aimed particularly at young people: see