Celebrities are joining the Health Secretary in support of a call to ban under 18s using sunbeds in tanning salons.

Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts is due to speak alongside Andy Burnham at the launch of a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Cardiff North MP Julie Morgan.

Ms Morgan says she is “absolutely delighted” Mr Burnham is backing her bill which also wants to see an end to unmanned tanning salons.

“It’s a Bill that’s urgently needed. If you get backing from the Secretary of State there’s that much more chance we’ll get it through,” she explained.

Pop singer Roberts, who is known for her porcelain complexion, is making a documentary about the dangers of the tanning industry. She says she has learned to love her pale skin after years of using fake tan to match her bronzed bandmates.

A study last year discovered around 250,000 11-to-17-year-olds in England were risking skin cancer by using sunbeds.

Mr Burnham said: “The scientific evidence is clear – sunbeds increase your risk of getting skin cancer. It is far too easy for young people to use sunbeds and I am determined to take action to protect them.
I fully support this Bill which will force tanning salons to ban access for people under 18 years old.”

The Bill, which will have its second reading in the House of Commons on January 29, will be launched by Ms Morgan and charity Cancer Research UK.

Source: PA