Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Chef Jamie Oliver urges UK chewing-gum ban, cites £550 m costs

8/11/2026

32 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jamie Oliver called for a Singapore-style chewing-gum ban in the United Kingdom, saying spitting gum makes Britain look like a “bomb site”.
In a manifesto on The Independent, Oliver urged age limits on energy drinks, a ban on follow-up formula ads and promotion of breastfeeding.
He cited Singapore’s 1992 gum ban, noting $500 fines and that Britain’s 28 million chewers cost £400 million a year and create £150 million in street-cleaning costs.

1 of 1

Story summary

Jamie Oliver called for a Singapore-style chewing-gum ban in the United Kingdom, saying spitting gum makes Britain look like a “bomb site”.
In a manifesto on The Independent, Oliver urged age limits on energy drinks, a ban on follow-up formula ads and promotion of breastfeeding.
He cited Singapore’s 1992 gum ban, noting $500 fines and that Britain’s 28 million chewers cost £400 million a year and create £150 million in street-cleaning costs.