On 16th October 2020, Simon Baynes MP spoke out in support of the new Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Bill in Parliament.
The Bill seeks to prevent under 18s from accessing botox or dermal filler procedures for aesthetic reasons.
Simon Baynes MP said he recognised the great deal of pressure on young people, particularly young girls, to look a certain way. And how it came as a great shock to him to discover that practitioners do not need to be medically qualified in order to administer the treatment. He also spoke about the wider health implications that botox treatments can have on young people.
In his speech, Simon Baynes MP said:
“It is wrong that practitioners do not need to be medically qualified to perform the procedures. In fact, it is quite extraordinary that we are in a situation where that is the case.
“I am the father of two daughters—they are aged 18 and 20. Fortunately, they have never had any personal experience of what we are discussing, but I and my wife have had considerable personal experience of learning about the world in which they live. They live in a very difficult world with regard to body image, so I say as a father that the Bill has great importance to me.
“These regulations will help to raise awareness of the impact of botox and dermal filler procedures among all age groups. That is important because if parents and grandparents understand better the dangers of these procedures, they will be able to give meaningful advice to their children or grandchildren. In conclusion, I again congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Laura Trott MP) on bringing this Bill to the House. It has my full and heartfelt support.”
