A cross-party group of MPs has launched a major inquiry into UV safety and protection, as cases of melanoma skin cancer continue to rise across the UK.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Beauty and Wellbeing officially opened its inaugural UV Safety Inquiry at an event in Westminster on May 21.
The launch brought together parliamentarians, healthcare professionals, beauty industry leaders and influencers to raise the alarm over increasing rates of UV-related skin cancers and call for stronger public protection measures.
Chaired by Carolyn Harris MP, the inquiry will investigate:
- The principle of UV safety as a basic need
- The principle of UV safety as a year-round issue
- The affordability and accessibility of UV safety
- If a change in approach can help to relieve the burden on the NHS
- The effectiveness of education on UV safety
A call for written evidence is now open to individuals or groups with expertise and experience relating to UV safety, including those impacted by the effects of UV damage, those working to promote increased sun safety and working within the beauty and healthcare sectors who engage with UV and sun care.
Submissions are invited until 31st October 2025; interested parties can email beautyappg@britishbeautycouncil.com for full terms of reference.
This written evidence will form a crucial part of the APPG's wider inquiry, which will also include oral evidence sessions scheduled for later this year.
The inquiry will culminate in a series of recommendations for government action, to be published in a report in spring 2026.
“The damage of overexposure to UV and the need for education is clear,” Harris said at the launch. “The horrifying rise in cases of melanoma coupled with the fact that more than 85% of those cases are avoidable with the right protection highlights how vital this inquiry is.”
The APPG’s work comes as new data reveals there are 16,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancer each year in the UK, with 2,300 people dying from the disease. 57% of UK consumers consider sunscreen too expensive, and 29% say they would wear it daily if it were more affordable.
Industry backing
Coinciding with the inquiry’s launch, the British Beauty Council has announced the UV Safety Initiative, a nationwide campaign uniting major retailers and beauty brands to promote sun safety and increase access to SPF products.
The year-long campaign will lead to the formation of the British Beauty Council UV Safety Coalition, set to carry forward the findings of the APPG inquiry and promote long-term, systemic change.
“Brands and businesses across the beauty industry have long been doing great work when it comes to increasing UV safety and access to SPF, however we can only drive real change when we collaborate to achieve a shared vision,” said Millie Kendall, chief executive of the British Beauty Council. “With rates of melanoma increasing and stats showing that 3 in 4 neglect to address sun damage, now's the time to kickstart this vital work.
