Just the other day we were noting Andrew Lansley’s potential for interest because of his combination of arrogance, ignorance and power.
I’m pleased to say that in a speech today he hasn’t disappointed:</p
Beer companies, confectionary firms and crisp-makers will be asked to fund the government’s advertising campaign to persuade people to switch to a healthier lifestyle and, in return, will not face new legislation outlawing excessively fatty, sugary and salty food, the health secretary, Andrew Lansley, announced today.
That is, companies will be asked to pay for advertising campaigns encouraging people not to buy their products. It’s a new take on advertising, that’s for sure, and will lead advertising executives to add a new measure to their KPIs: negative ROI: “How much money will we lose by spending on this advertising?”
What’s even funnier about this is that Lansley himself doesn’t believe such campaigns work, saying:
If we are constantly lecturing people and trying to tell them what to do, we will actually find that we undermine and are counterproductive in the results that we achieve.
In years to come, Lansley will be regarded as a comedy genius. It’s just a shame he’s actually trying to be the Secretary of State for Health.
