Jamie Oliver hopes David Cameron will 'be brave' over possible sugar tax

The Government has not written off a "sugar tax" as a way of driving down childhood obesity, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has said.

Oliver told MPs at the Commons health committee that Prime Minister David Cameron was reviewing all the evidence, adding there was a need to "maker sure he's brave".

He said his main role in front of the committee was "as a dad".

Of the need for a "sugar tax" and the Government's view, he said: "The discussions that I've had have not implied that that is written off.

"The discussions I've had are robust...Mr Cameron is reviewing everything.

"I think where he is positioned for the next five years...we need to make sure that he's brave."

He added that public polls on the need for a "sugar tax are favouring it quite strongly".

Asked what he would like to see in the Government's forthcoming obesity strategy, Oliver said: "I think my passion having worked with the British and international public for 17 years and having daily communications and monthly communication with millions of parents out there - is clarity.

"Honesty and clarity would be a really good balance.

"I don't believe the industry, particularly the food and drink industry, I don't think that utter clarity is their main objective because when you inform the British public with good, clear information they make good choices.

"They are not making good choices at the moment largely. I think it's a major problem."