7th August 2007 - Keep safe in the sun this summer

As the sun finally breaks through over Yorkshire skies and people jet off for their summer holidays, Yorkshire Euro-MP Linda McAvan is reminding people to take care in the sun.

Ms McAvan's remarks come as the European Commission agreed a new code with manufacturers to ensure suncreams provide clearer information about the kinds of protection they offer. The proposals include the suggestion that the phrase "total sunblock" be banned from labels, because no cream can actually cut out all harmful radiation. The current 'Sun Protection Factor' rating system only covers UVB rays, not the more harmful UVA rays.

New labelling - including new bands of 'low', 'medium', 'high' and 'very high' protection - will be included on around 20% of suncreams this year. Both UVA and UVB will be included in the ratings.

The charity Cancer Research suggest that rates of skin cancer have doubled since the early 1980s, with more than 2000 people dying from the disease every year in the UK.

Linda McAvan said;

"We're far more aware of the risks of prolonged exposure to the sun now than we were a few years ago, but skin cancer affects more people in Britain than ever. That's why the European Commission has acted to try to improve sun creams, but ultimately people need to take care of themselves: cover up, wear sunscreen of no lower than factor 15, and take particular care of children. That way everyone can enjoy the sunshine without paying a high price for their tans."