A Labour MP is introducing a bill to ban fast food companies from advertising to pre-school children, as the government is called upon to tackle obesity among British youths.

Debra Shipley, the Labour MP for Stourbridge, wants parliament to vote for a ban on the advertising of high fat, high sugar and high salt content food and drink during pre-school children's television.

Shipley, who plans to introduce her bill to parliament on November 4, said: “Irresponsible food and drink manufacturers ruthlessly target children through television advertising and clever marketing strategies.”

Her bill has the support of several organisations including the National Consumer Council, National Heart Forum and the National Union of Teachers.