Shipley MP Philip Davies is urging the Government to scrap VAT on sun lotion to stop people having to scrimp on cream and compromise their health.

And research shows most Yorkshire folk are unhappy with the high cost of anti-UV creams and potions.

Mr Davies said waiving the 20 per cent tax would make the products more affordable and could reduce the number of cases of skin cancer.

He said: “Every year more than 100,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with skin cancer and more than 2,500 people lose their life as a result.

“Sun exposure is the main preventable cause of skin cancer and I want the Government to remove the VAT on sun care protection to make it more financially affordable to avoid the health risks associated with over exposure to the sun. No individual should have to compromise their health over price.”

Mr Davies has tabled a Commons motion calling for action, which has gained cross party support.

Research carried out by YouGov found 50 per cent of 444 people surveyed in the North apply sun cream less often than the required two hours to be protected against UVA and UVB rays.

In addition, 64 per cent said they find sun protection products overpriced and 52 per cent admitted they use sunscreen from the previous year with 26 per cent applying products which were two years old.

Supermarket giant Asda has also teamed up with the British Skin Foundation for a campaign called Don’t Get Burnt. It is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of sun protection and the health risks associated with UV radiation from the sun and to push for the Government to reduce the cost of sun care products, which are taxed as luxury items rather than essential health products.