A Labour MP is to introduce a bill that would ban fast food companies from advertising to pre-school children amid calls for the government to tackle obesity among British youths, writes Claire Cozens.

Debra Shipley, the Labour MP for Stourbridge, wants parliament to vote for a ban on the "advertising of high fat, high sugar and high salt content food and drink during pre-school children's television".

"Irresponsible food and drink manufacturers ruthlessly target children through television advertising and clever marketing strategies," said Ms Shipley, who plans to introduce her bill on November 4 under the 10-minute rule.

"No mention is made of the fact that high fat, high sugar and high salt food and drink can cause obesity and diabetes. My bill will prevent these kinds of foods from being foisted on to pre-school children who have no understanding of the nature of advertising."

Her bill has the support of several organisations including the National Consumer Council, National Heart Forum and National Union of Teachers.

Last year Ms Shipley tabled an early day motion to ban all TV advertising during programmes aimed at children under five which was backed by 130 MPs.

Her latest move comes amid mounting pressure for the government to act on the issue and is likely to be supported even more strongly.

It emerged last week that the Commons health select committee is examining a ban on children's advertising by food and drink companies as part of its investigation into childhood obesity. It has summoned big advertisers including Coca-Cola and McDonald's to answer charges of using children to make profits from products that damage health.

David Hinchliffe, the committee chairman, was a leading figure behind the ban on tobacco advertising and is considering backing a similar campaign against fast food.

The Food Standards Agency, an independent watchdog set up by the government to protect the public's health, recently published research which said that TV advertising could encourage obesity.