Wow. 

I can hardly believe it's 2 weeks since the campaign went live and we've reached almost 500 signatures! Thank you so much to each and every one of you for your support. Every signature counts! 

I've been knuckling down and having some exciting meetings behind the scenes, including with policy influencers and thought leaders in the cancer and healthcare space. Next month, when the House of Commons returns after its summer recess, I'll be branching further into the political sphere. Watch this space...

In the meantime, I wanted to highlight our campaign's first public backer, feminist activist, Laura Coryton MBE. Laura spearheaded the 'Stop Taxing Periods. Period.' campaign, which was instrumental in ending the 20% luxury 'tampon tax'. In 2021, after years of tireless campaigning, the government listened and scrapped VAT on sanitary products. Laura's campaign was hugely motivating for me and having her support and guidance on this journey means so much.

Here's what she had to say about the #AXEtheSPFtax campaign:

‘I’m proud to support Jessica's campaign to end the tax on sun cream. Cancer prevention is critical, as skin cancer rates have risen by 33% in just ten years.

My father is a cancer survivor and we've seen first hand the impact it's had on his life and our family. Any preventative measure is incredibly important and ending this tax will make a profound impact on patients and the NHS at large. 

The government responded to my tampon tax campaign by ending the 'luxury' levy on period products because they are essential items which we shouldn't be penalised for using. Similarly, sun cream is a lifesaving item we should be encouraged to use. It certainly should not be taxed at 20% as a 'luxury'.

Laura, you legend.

You can learn more about her policy win here, and her brilliant subsequent work with Sex Ed Matters here.

Stay tuned for more of these supporter spotlights, highlighting the public figures and change-makers who are helping to make our campaign goal a reality. Petitions like this are people-powered and, together, we can make the difference.

What can you do?

Spread the word! The more people who hear about the #AXEtheSPFtax campaign and sign the petition, the greater our influence can grow, and the sooner we can end the luxury VAT on sunscreen products.

Tell your friends. Tell your colleagues. Tell the postie.

Or just click here to share the link on your socials - it only takes one tap! 

Thank you again for all your enthusiastic support. I'll be in touch again soon.

Yours ever,

Jessica ZW

Campaigner, #AXEtheSPFtax