Campaigning to axe the sanitary tax, Laura Coryton (photo: Change.org).

An unsanitary subject?

Recently a Change.org campaign has been started by Laura Coryton to stop the government taxing sanitary products. Although the proposed amendment failed – Hastings and Rye MP Amber Rudd and Bexhill and Battle MP Huw Merriman both voted against it – the campaign continues and the Treasury are now taking the matter to the EU. Zelly Restorick reports. 

Even as I’m writing this, I am wondering if I will be taking a step too far for some readers, who will be instantly repulsed and repelled by the mere mention of the female experience of menstruation. However, menstruation is a bloody fact – and I have often wondered, as I buy yet another lot of tampons and pads, that if men had a monthly bleed, would sanitary products have been free of charge many moon cups ago? Personally, I have bled for 10 years of my fertile life – and I cannot imagine the amount of money I have spent on buying the necessary protection.

If you’re still reading, here’s Laura’s response to the Commons’ vote – and an opportunity to add your name to the list of the 255, 872 individuals who’ve supported the campaign so far.

“Yesterday’s results to MP Paula Sherriff’s proposed amendment that would have forced Osborne into axing sanitary tax were bitter sweet,” writes Laura Coryton. “Although the amendment narrowly failed to make it through the Commons, losing out by just 18 votes, the Treasury nonetheless accepted responsibility to deal with this tax.

Laura has posted a link to show the MPs who voted against. “If your local MP isn’t on this list, then please thank them!” suggests Laura. “If they are, let them know just how disappointed you are!”

“In response to all of you, plus the potential rebellion from their own party members over the issue, the Treasury have proposed a compromise. They have vowed to end sanitary tax by negotiating with the EU. This is the first time a Tory majority has ever pledge to deal with sanitary tax and, thanks to you, this is our biggest breakthrough yet!

“Despite the day’s success, our campaign is far from over. We need to keep up the pressure until the change has been made and sanitary tax is a mistake of the past.

“EU, we’re coming for you. Period.”

Sign the petition here.

Laura #EndTamponTax

Report in The Telegraph here.

Also in: Health Matters